17957784. SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING TRAILER UTILIZATION simplified abstract (ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION)

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SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING TRAILER UTILIZATION

Organization Name

ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

Yuri Astvatsaturov of Lake Forest IL (US)

Seth David Silk of Barrington IL (US)

Justin F. Barish of Kings Park NY (US)

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING TRAILER UTILIZATION - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17957784 titled 'SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING TRAILER UTILIZATION

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a method for assessing trailer utilization by generating a trailer interior map, capturing an image of the interior, and analyzing the data to determine trailer occupancy and utilization.

  • The method involves generating a 3D map of an object based on image data points, determining if the object is non-conforming, and identifying unusable space and conforming objects within the trailer.
  • The occupied portion of the trailer is determined based on the data collected, allowing for an assessment of trailer utilization.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in industries such as logistics, transportation, and warehousing to optimize trailer space and improve efficiency in loading and unloading processes.

Problems Solved

This technology helps in identifying non-conforming objects and unusable space within trailers, allowing for better utilization of available space and improved organization of cargo.

Benefits

The method provides a systematic approach to assessing trailer utilization, leading to increased efficiency, reduced waste of space, and improved safety in loading and unloading operations.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology could be utilized by logistics companies, shipping companies, and warehouse operators to streamline operations, reduce costs, and maximize the use of trailer space.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be systems for tracking inventory and cargo within containers or trailers, but the specific method described in this patent application appears to be a novel approach to assessing trailer utilization.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology impact overall supply chain efficiency?

This technology can help optimize trailer space, but how does it contribute to the overall efficiency of the supply chain in terms of speed, cost, and reliability?

What are the potential challenges in implementing this technology on a large scale?

While the method described seems effective, what obstacles or limitations could arise when implementing this technology across a fleet of trailers or in a large warehouse setting?


Original Abstract Submitted

Systems and methods for assessing trailer utilization are disclosed herein. The method generates a trailer interior map and captures an image of the trailer interior. The map includes first voxels associated with the trailer interior and the image includes a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) image data points. The method generates a 3D map of an object based on a set of 3D points indicative of respective 3D image data points corresponding to respective first voxels and determines whether the object is non-conforming. The method determines at least one of second voxels associated with unusable space proximate to a non-conforming object, third voxels associated with the non-conforming object, and fourth voxels associated with a conforming object. The method determines an occupied portion of the trailer based on the first voxels, third voxels, and fourth voxels and trailer utilization based on the occupied portion of the trailer, the first voxels, and the second voxels.