Boat Camera Ranging for Partially Submerged Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting objects in water, such as sonar, RADAR, and LIDAR, are inadequate for accurately identifying and measuring the distance of partially submerged objects, particularly at distances above 200m, and fail to distinguish between stationary and moving objects, posing a risk for boat navigation and collision avoidance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a camera module mounted on a boat to capture images of the water area, a processing module to detect objects using artificial neural networks, and optional inertial measurement and GPS data to calculate object coordinates and distance, allowing for precise trajectory adjustments to avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sonar-based technologies are used to detect immersed objects, then detection capability for submerged objects is improved, but detection capability for floating objects is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection technologies (sonar for submerged objects, optical cameras for floating objects) into a single integrated detection system that can handle both types of targets, making the system universal and adaptable to different object types without requiring separate dedicated systems
2Reliability
If LIDAR systems are used to detect floating objects, then detection capability is improved, but identification capability at distances above 200m is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task into multiple stages: initial detection by LIDAR, followed by optical confirmation and identification using cameras when the object is within visual range, allowing each subsystem to operate in its optimal performance zone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical detection system that bridges the gap between LIDAR detection at long range and detailed identification, using the transition zone where objects become visible to the camera as the intermediary stage for confirmation and classification
3Reliability
If signal reflection methods are used to detect floating objects, then detection capability is improved, but distance measurement accuracy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges active detection methods (LIDAR for range measurement) with passive optical methods (cameras for visual identification) to simultaneously achieve both accurate distance measurement and reliable object identification, combining the strengths of both approaches
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for determining the distance between a boat and at least one object at least partially immerged in a water area, said system comprising a capturing module, configured to be mounted on said boat, for example on a mast, said capturing module comprising at least one camera, said at least one camera being configured to generate at least one sequence of images of said water area, and a processing module, configured to be embedded onboard said boat, said processing module being configured to receive the at least one sequence of images from said at least one camera, to detect at least one object in said at least one received sequence of images and to determine the distance between the boat and the at least one detected object using the received sequence of images.