Dimensioning system and method of dimensioning using four distance sensors and a weighing means

摘要

An apparatus and method for determining dimensions of a cuboidal object is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a stationary platform (12) having a surface and a longitudinal axis (L), a first, downwardly facing distance sensor (20) disposed above the surface of the platform (12), a second distance sensor (22) at one side of the platform and facing laterally there across. Also included are a third and fourth distance sensors substantially facing each other, positioned on the side opposite to the second distance sensor (22) one at each end of that side. At least one load cell is included to weigh the object. The dimensions are found by removing the distance from a sensor to a surface of the object from a known distance, when the object is positioned on the table with one surface aligned with and against the inside edge of a control panel (24). In the case of the height, the distance from the first sensor (20) to the top surface of the object is removed from the known distance of the first sensor (20) to the platform (12). Similarly for the width, the distance from the second sensor (22) to the back surface of the object is removed from the known distance of the second sensor (22) to the inside edge of the control panel housing (24). The length is determined by removing the sum of the distances from the third and forth sensors to the ends of the object, from their known distance apart.