Object Classification via Albedo Variance Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for classifying objects in images, particularly for surveillance and security applications, face challenges in efficiently distinguishing between animate and inanimate objects, especially in fast-moving scenarios like aerial spaces, where existing technologies struggle to accurately label objects like drones and birds.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves performing variance analysis, specifically Albedo variance analysis, on temporally sequential images using pixel array image sensors and deep learning neural networks to differentiate between animate and inanimate objects, with the capability to automatically track and label objects across frames, and optionally trigger responses for inanimate objects like drones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional object detection and tracking methods are used, then objects can be detected and tracked across frames, but the accuracy of distinguishing between animate and inanimate objects is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the classification process into distinct analytical components: detecting objects across sequential images, tracking their motion patterns, performing variance analysis on appearance changes, and classifying based on combined features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces temporal dimension by analyzing objects across multiple sequential images rather than single frames. By examining motion patterns over time and performing variance analysis across frames, the system adds a temporal dimension to the classification process, significantly improving the ability to distinguish animate from inanimate objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If variance analysis is applied to improve classification accuracy, then distinction between animate and inanimate objects improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary object detection and tracking to identify candidate objects before applying the computationally intensive variance analysis. By pre-filtering objects that require detailed classification and preparing motion patterns in advance, the system reduces the overall processing time while maintaining high classification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies variance analysis selectively to objects that require classification rather than processing all detected objects uniformly. By focusing computational resources on partial cases where classification is needed, the system achieves high accuracy without excessive processing time for all objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If deep learning neural networks are used for real-time classification, then classification speed improves, but computational resources required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification speedVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the computational workload into multiple stages: initial object detection, motion pattern tracking, variance analysis, and final classification using deep learning. This segmentation allows simpler operations to be performed first, reducing the number of objects that require intensive neural network processing, thereby lowering overall computational resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary filtering and feature extraction before applying deep learning models. By pre-processing images to extract relevant features and identify candidate objects, the system reduces the input size and complexity for the neural network, enabling faster real-time classification with reduced computational resource requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240127582A1Method and system for classification of objects in images
Publication Date: 2024.04.18 MARDUK TECH OÜ
  • US20240127582A1 patent drawing
  • US20240127582A1 patent drawing
  • US20240127582A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for classification of objects in images includes obtaining a plurality of temporally sequential images; detecting at least one object of interest in the images; matching at least one detected object of interest across the plurality of the images; applying variance analysis on the object between the temporally sequential images; and based on variance analysis output, assigning at least one label to the object of interest.