ADJUSTING DIMENSIONING RESULTS USING AUGMENTED REALITY

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dimensioning systems and more specifically, to a means for adjusting the results from dimensioning systems using augmented reality.

BACKGROUND

Many applications require non-contact, three-dimensional (3D) scanning of objects. An object may be scanned remotely without the need to touch the object. Active 3D scanners project radiation (e.g., light, ultrasound, X-ray, etc.) into a field of view and detect the radiation reflected from an object. A time-of-flight 3D scanner, for example, projects pulse of light onto an object and measures the time taken for the pulse of light to reflect from the object and return to the range finder. In another example, a structured light 3D scanner projects a light pattern (e.g., a dot pattern of light) onto an object, while a camera, offset from the projector, captures an image of the reflected pattern. The projector and camera may use triangulation to determine a range for each of the dots in the reflected dot pattern of light.

Dimensioning systems (i.e., dimensioners) may use 3D scanners (i.e., 3D sensors) to determine the dimensions (e.g., surface length, surface area, and object volume) of an object. These systems have found use in the transport and logistics industries. For example, dimensioning systems may facilitate the calculation of shipping cost based on package volume. In another example, dimensioning systems may help form packing strategies for transportation and/or storage.

During the dimensioning process, feedback may provide a user a way of verifying that the 3D scanner has scanned an object correctly. This feedback may include an image of the object overlaid with graphics showing the results of the 3D scan. For example, a package may have its edges highlighted by an overlaid wireframe graphic.

Dimensioning systems may return errors. For example, shading and/or glare could cause the dimensioning system to determine an edge of an object erroneously. In this case, the feedback would include a wireframe that did not align with the object's true edge. A human might easily see this misalignment in the feedback image and could help adjust the wireframe to fit the edges, thereby improving the results from the dimensioner.

Wireframe manipulation maybe difficult using traditional touch displays because using a 2D display to manipulate an object in three dimensions can easily result in errors. For example, an intended adjustment along one axis could cause an unwanted adjustment in another axis because it is difficult for a user to decouple height/width from depth using a 2D display.

Therefore, a need exists for an augmented reality interface to allow a user to (i) correct dimensioning errors, (ii) improve dimensioning results, and (iii) guide dimensioning analysis. The augmented reality interface embraced by the present invention provides the user with an easier, more-intuitive means for interacting with a dimensioning system.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces a dimensioning system. The dimensioning system includes a three-dimensional (3D) sensor for measuring the dimensions of objects (i.e., dimensioning) in a field of view. The dimensioning system also includes a camera for capturing real-time images of the objects. The dimensioning system further includes a processor that is communicatively coupled to the 3D Sensor, the camera, and a display. The processor is configured to create augmented-reality feedback that is displayed, in real-time, to a user via the display. The augmented-reality feedback includes the real-time images captured by the camera and graphic elements that are overlaid on the real-time images. Gestures in the real-time images are recognized by the processor and the graphic elements are adjusted in response.

In an exemplary embodiment of the dimensioning system, the gestures include a hand gesture.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dimensioning system, the gestures include the position and/or motion of a point of light projected into the field of view and reflected from the objects in the field of view.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dimensioning system, the graphic elements include wireframes that correspond to the edges of the objects in the field of view.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dimensioning system, the graphic elements include wireframes and virtual tools for adjusting and/or selecting the wireframes.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dimensioning system, the graphic elements include wireframes and virtual tools. The virtual tools include a tweezer for grabbing an edge of the wireframes, a pointer for selecting a face of the wireframes, and/or a virtual hand for grabbing the wireframes.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dimensioning system, the graphic elements include wireframes and the adjustment of the graphic elements includes selecting a portion of the wireframes for dimensioning.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dimensioning system, the graphic elements include wireframes and the adjustment of the graphic elements includes rotating and/or translating the wireframes.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces an augmented reality interface for a dimensioning system. The interface includes a camera for capturing images of a field of view that is aligned with the dimensioning system's field of view. The interface also includes a display for displaying images and graphical information to a user. A processor is communicatively coupled to the camera, the display, and the dimensioning system. The processor is configured by software to receive images from the camera and to receive dimensioning information, corresponding to an object in the dimensioning system's field of view, from the dimensioner. Using the dimensioning information, the processor is configured to create wireframe graphics that correspond to the edges of the object. The images and the wireframe graphics are presented on the display, wherein the wireframe graphics overlay and are aligned with the object. The processor is further configured to recognize adjustment cues in the images and to adjust the wireframe graphics in response to the adjustment cues.

In an exemplary embodiment of the augmented reality interface, the processor is further configured to update the dimensioning information in response to the adjustment of the wireframe graphics. The processor is also configured to communicate this updated wireframe information to the dimensioning system.

In another exemplary embodiment of the augmented reality interface, the adjustment cues include a user's hand reaching into the field of view and virtually manipulating the wireframe graphics presented on the display.

In another exemplary embodiment of the augmented reality interface, the adjustment cures include a light spot projected into the field of view to select a surface indicated by the wireframe graphics presented on the display.

In another exemplary embodiment of the augmented reality interface, the adjustment to the wireframe graphics includes resizing the wireframe graphics.

In another exemplary embodiment of the augmented reality interface, the adjustment to the wireframe graphics includes rotating and/or translating the wireframe graphics.

In another exemplary embodiment of the augmented reality interface, the adjustment to the wireframe graphics includes deleting a portion of the wireframe graphics.

In another exemplary embodiment of the augmented reality interface, the adjustment to the wireframe graphics includes combining wireframe graphics.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a method for correcting dimensioning errors using an augmented reality interface. The method begins with the step of observing the results from a dimensioning system, wherein the results are displayed as virtual wireframes overlaid on real-time images of objects in a field of view. The virtual wireframes correspond to the edges of one or more surfaces on one or more objects in the dimensioning system's field of view. Errors in the virtual wireframes are identified. A hand is then reached into the dimensioning system's field of view so that it is displayed with the objects and the virtual wireframes. One of the virtual wireframes is selected using a virtual tool enabled by the hand or by using the hand itself. The selected virtual wireframe is then adjusted by moving the hand or the virtual tool. The steps of (i) identifying errors in the virtual wireframes, (ii) reaching into the field of view, (iii) selecting one of the virtual wireframes, and (iv) adjusting the selected virtual wireframe is repeated until all of the errors in the virtual wireframes have been corrected.

In an exemplary method for correcting dimensioning errors using an augmented reality interface, the errors in the virtual wireframes include (i) virtual wireframes that overlap, (ii) virtual wireframes that cover more than one object, and/or (iii) virtual wireframes that do not cover an object completely.

In another exemplary method for correcting dimensioning errors using an augmented reality interface, the augmented reality interface is an optical head-mounted display worn by a user.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 graphically depicts a perspective view of a user adjusting the output of a dimensioning system using an augmented reality interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 graphically depicts an image from an augmented reality interface showing a user manipulating a virtual tool to interact with the results from a dimensioning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 graphically depicts an image from an augmented reality interface showing a user manipulating a projected laser beam to interact with the results from a dimensioning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a block diagram of a dimensioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a block diagram of an augmented reality interface for a dimensioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of a method for correcting dimensioning errors using an augmented reality interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Dimensioning systems are convenient tools to obtain dimensional information (e.g., volume, area of a side, etc.) about an object automatically and remotely (i.e., non-contact). The output from these systems may include images of the object and its environment. These images may also include graphics that add context to dimensioning results. For example, wireframe graphics (i.e., wireframes, virtual wireframes, wireframe models, etc.) may be overlaid onto the image of the object so that a user can understand dimensioning results (e.g., what has been dimensioned, how an object has been dimensioned, etc.).

Wireframes provide important feedback, and often user interaction with the wireframes is necessary. This interaction can correct inaccurate results returned by the dimensioner.

Inaccurate dimensioning may result from poor lighting (e.g., overly dark/bright lighting, inhomogeneous lighting, etc.) or poor object positioning (e.g., the object is too close/far, an insufficient number of surfaces are in view, etc.). Inaccurate dimensioning results may also occur when multiple objects are placed in front of (i.e., within the field of view) the dimensioner. Here, the overall dimensions of the multiple objects may be the desired output. Errors may result when the dimensioner only returns the dimension of a single object instead of the group of objects. On the other hand, errors can also result when the dimensioner combines objects that should otherwise be measured individually. Errors may also result when measuring irregularly shaped objects. For example, objects with high aspect ratios may be difficult for the dimensioning system to measure accurately.

Besides error correction, interaction with the wireframes may add functionality. For example, the side of a wireframe may be selected to highlight that portion of the object for additional operations (e.g., area analysis).

It is highly desirable to provide a user with a convenient and intuitive interface for adjusting or otherwise interacting with the results from the wireframes. Two-dimensional (2D) (e.g., touch screens), however, do not provide the most intuitive interface for interaction with 3D models. Augmented reality is better suited for these purposes.

Augmented reality (AR) provides a direct (i.e., via one's eye) or indirect (i.e., via a screen) view of a physical object along with sound, text, video, and/or graphics to supplement (i.e., augment) this view of reality. As the view of a real object is changed (e.g., by a user moving the AR interface) the supplemental information displayed is changed accordingly and in real-time. The result is an effective means for interacting with 3D objects.

The AR interface may be embodied in a variety of ways. Some possible embodiments include (but are not limited to) a handheld camera/display (e.g., smartphone, tablet, dimensioner, mobile computing device, imaging barcode reader, etc.), a fixed position camera/display (e.g., a fixed position dimensioner), and a head-mounted display (e.g., optical head-mounted display). Optical head-mounted displays are convenient interfaces because, in some embodiments, they may be worn like glasses and allow the user to look through a transparent plate at the object.

Figure (FIG. 1 illustrates a user adjusting the output of a dimensioning system using an exemplary augmented reality interface. Here, the augmented reality interface 1 is configured with a rear facing camera (i.e., opposite of display facing) for capturing digital images and a display 2 for rendering a real-time video stream of these captured digital images.

The augmented reality interface shown in FIG. 1 is positioned so that the object 3 is displayed on the display 2. In addition, the display 2 shows the object's dimensioning results displayed as wireframe graphics 4. These results are transmitted to the AR interface via a wired or wireless data link. This data link may be a one-way or two-way communication channel between the AR interface and the dimensioning system and may convey information such as augmented reality results and AR interface positioning.

While not shown in FIG. 1, other feedback information, besides wireframe graphics, may be displayed with the images. For example controls, data, and/or tools may displayed in the form of text (e.g., dimensions), images (e.g., range images from a range camera), and/or graphics (e.g., tools). Further, multiple wireframes may be displayed for embodiments where the dimensioning system measures multiple objects simultaneously.

A user may interact with the feedback information (e.g., wireframes) in a variety of ways. A user may move the AR interface (e.g., redirect the AR interface's field of view) to change the perspective view of the object 3 and wireframe 4 accordingly. A user may also reach into the field of view and interact virtually the feedback information.

Virtual interaction may use the recognition of the user's hand, hand-position, and/or gestures in the images captured by the AR interface to affect changes to the dimensioner's output. Virtual interaction may also recognize other cues to affect changes. For example, light from a laser (e.g., laser pointer) may be projected into the field of view to select an object or a portion of the object.

The virtual interaction may affect many possible operations. These operations may include (but are not limited to) selecting an object, selecting an object side, selecting a wireframe, selecting a portion of a wireframe, adjusting the wireframe position, combining wireframes, deleting wireframes, adding/subtracting wireframe elements, and/or resizing wireframes.

A user may also use virtual tools to interact with the results from the dimensioner. Virtual tools are graphics that may be enabled via hand movements in the captured images. Exemplary virtual tools may include (but are not limited to) (i) tools to grab an edge or face of a wireframe (e.g., tweezers), (ii) tools to select an edge/face for subsequent operations (e.g., fine movement), or (iii) tools to grab the entire wireframe for translation/rotation (e.g., an augmented hand).

An exemplary embodiment of an AR image that illustrates a user's interaction with a wireframe using a virtual tool is shown in FIG. 2. Here, the user hand 5 is enabling a virtual tweezer 6 to grab a wireframe 4 surrounding an object 3. The user may adjust the wireframe 4 with the tweezer 6 so that it better fits the object 4.

A user may also use a light beam projected into the field of view to interact with the results from the dimensioner. FIG. 3 depicts an image from an augmented reality interface showing a user interacting with the results of a dimensioning system using a beam of light. Here, a light beam 15 from a laser 16 (e.g., laser pointer) is directed at an object 3 to select the corresponding side 17 of the wireframe 4.

A block diagram of an exemplary dimensioning system 20 enabled for augmented reality interaction is shown in FIG. 4. An object 3 positioned within the dimensioning system's field of view (FOV) 7 can be sensed by the dimensioning system's 3D sensor 8. The 3D sensor is typically an active optical sensor that has a transmitter and receiver. The 3D sensor typically transmits optical radiation (e.g., infrared light) that strikes items in the FOV 7. The optical radiation is reflected from the items and returned to the receiver, where it is gathered and converted into electrical signals.

A processor 9, running software algorithms, may receive/interpret/analyze the electrical signals from the 3D sensor. The algorithms detect changes between the transmitted light and the received light in order to determine the range of the items in the FOV. This range information may be used to determine the dimensions of the items in the FOV.

The processor 9 may be embodied in a variety of ways. Exemplary processors suitable for the present invention include (but are not limited to) microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), graphics processing units (GPU), digital signal processors (DSP), image processors, and multi-core processors. It is possible that the dimensioning system uses one or more of these processors types to facilitate dimensioning and AR interface operations.

The 3D sensor 8 may use a variety of sensing techniques to gather the information necessary for dimensioning. Some sensing techniques include (but are not limited to) sensing the timing of the transmitted light (e.g., time-of-flight) and sensing the apparent position of the transmitted light (e.g., triangulation, structured light, etc.).

The dimensioning system's augmented reality interface is enabled by a camera 10 and a display 11 that are communicatively coupled to the processor and the 3D sensor. The camera captures digital images of the camera's field of view 12, which corresponds to the 3D sensor's field of view 13. The camera 10 includes the necessary optics and electronics to convert images into electrical signals. Possible cameras for the augmented reality interface include a charge-couple device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

The dimensioning system 20 is configured by software (executed by the processor) to recognize adjustment cues in the images. Two exemplary adjustment cues shown in FIG. 3 are a hand 5 and a beam of light 15 projected by a laser 16.

The display 11 presents the dimensioning results and images from the camera to a user. Exemplary displays suitable for the dimensioning system include (but are not limited to) a heads-up display (HUD) and a liquid crystal display (LCD) (e.g., a touch display).

A block diagram of an augmented reality interface 21 enabled is shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the AR interface 21 is not integrated with the dimensioning system 22. Rather, the AR interface is communicatively coupled to the dimensioning system. Typically, communication is accomplished through a wireless data link 23 (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).

An exemplary method correcting dimensioning errors using an augmented reality interface according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6. A dimensioner returns results 30 that are observed 31 by a user with an augmented reality interface as described previously. The user is able to identify errors visually in the returned results 32 (i.e., errors in the virtual wireframes). If errors are found, then the user may reach into the field of view of the AR interface 33, which may or may not correspond to the field of view of the dimensioner. The user may then select 34 and adjust 35 a virtual wireframe using a hand or a hand-enabled virtual tool. The user then checks whether all errors have been corrected 36. If all errors have been corrected, then the results (e.g., the updated virtual wireframes) may be returned 38, otherwise the user may repeat the aforementioned steps to correct additional errors 37. Once complete, the corrected wireframes are returned 38 (e.g., displayed). In a possible embodiment, the corrected wireframes are returned to the dimensioner for further analysis (e.g., volume calculation, area calculation, etc.).

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.