Method, System and Apparatus for Detecting Support Structure Obstructions

A method in an imaging controller of detecting obstructions on a front of a support structure includes: obtaining (i) a point cloud of the support structure and an obstruction, and (ii) a support structure plane corresponding to the front of the support structure; for each of a plurality of selection depths: selecting a subset of points from the point cloud based on the selection depth; detecting obstruction candidates from the subset of points and, for each obstruction candidate: responsive to a dimensional criterion being met, determining whether the obstruction candidate meets a confirmation criterion; when the obstruction candidate meets the confirmation criterion, identifying the obstruction candidate as a confirmed obstruction; and presenting obstruction detection output data including the confirmed obstructions.