3D Object Counting via Spatial Distribution Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic monitoring systems face challenges in accurately determining the number of individuals passing through entrance and exit portals due to variations in body size and posture, leading to erroneous determinations when using body weight sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and image pattern matching.
Innovation Solution
A traffic monitoring apparatus that acquires three-dimensional object information and determines the number of objects based on volume and distribution, using threshold values that account for body height and volume variations, and employs a moment calculation to normalize the distribution, ensuring accurate counting regardless of individual differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If body weight sensitive floor mat is used to detect number of persons, then it can detect body weight of objects, but setting threshold value to low value will result in authorized person of big build not being allowed to pass, and setting to high value will result in two persons of small build being allowed to pass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional detection (body weight only) to three-dimensional detection (spatial distribution of objects). By using multiple ultrasonic sensors arranged in space and analyzing the spatial coordinates of detected objects, the system can distinguish between a single large object and multiple smaller objects based on their spatial separation, thereby resolving the threshold setting dilemma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from body weight to body height (spatial position). By measuring the vertical distance from the ceiling to the object using ultrasonic sensors, the system obtains height information that, when combined with spatial distribution data, enables accurate determination of the number of persons regardless of their body build.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are installed to store body height information, then it can measure body height of objects, but when two persons in proximity try to pass, information becomes comparable to single person information, resulting in erroneous determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds spatial distribution as an additional dimension to the detection. Instead of relying solely on body height information, the system uses the spatial coordinates (x, y, z) of detected objects to determine their separation. When two persons are detected, their spatial positions will show distinct coordinates, allowing the system to correctly identify multiple persons even when their height profiles might overlap.
3Measurement precision
If tracking camera is used for pattern matching, then it can image objects in area under surveillance, but pattern matching cannot be taken when persons are in postures not found in preset reference pattern, resulting in erroneous determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pattern matching system with a spatial coordinate-based detection system. Instead of comparing image patterns against reference patterns, the system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect the spatial positions of objects. This substitution eliminates the limitation of posture recognition while maintaining detection accuracy through three-dimensional spatial analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a traffic monitoring apparatus capable of accurately determining the number of objects present in an area under surveillance without being affected by the difference in arrangement of those objects. Included is an object information acquiring device 1A for acquiring three-dimensional object information D related with an object H present in an area 8 under surveillance, and a determining device 2A for determining the number of objects based on at least a volume, which is one of a volume and a height of an object obtained from the object information D.