Edge-Map Space Tracking for Privacy-Preserving Object Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workplace monitoring systems struggle to track object movement and map spaces while preserving personal privacy by avoiding the collection of personally identifiable information.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sensor blocks that capture non-optical data, such as radar scans, to generate edge maps which are then transformed into synthetic photographic images, allowing for the creation of anonymized layouts and furniture plans of spaces, while preventing the collection of identifiable information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors (cameras) are used to capture images for workspace monitoring, then visual information and object detection capability are improved, but personal privacy is compromised due to collection of personally identifiable information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential geometric information (edges, contours, shapes) from the captured images while removing all personally identifiable information. Edge maps are generated that contain spatial and structural data necessary for workspace monitoring but exclude facial features, clothing details, and other identifying characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates synthetic photographic images that are simplified representations of the original scene, containing only geometric outlines and spatial relationships. These synthetic images serve as privacy-preserving copies that maintain the functional information needed for monitoring while eliminating personal identifiers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-optical data (radar scans) are used to capture workspace information, then personal privacy is preserved by avoiding collection of identifiable information, but the ability to generate detailed visual representations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges non-optical data (radar scans, depth maps) with optical edge map data to create comprehensive synthetic photographic images. This combination integrates the privacy-preserving characteristics of non-optical data with the visual representation capabilities of optical data, achieving both privacy protection and visual detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses edge maps as an intermediary representation that bridges non-optical data and visual representations. Edge maps contain geometric information that can be derived from both optical and non-optical sources, serving as a common format that preserves privacy while enabling detailed spatial understanding.
3Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring systems collect detailed images for accurate object tracking, then tracking precision is improved, but data processing complexity and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential geometric features (edges, contours) from full images, creating simplified edge maps that contain the minimum necessary information for object tracking. This extraction reduces data volume and processing complexity while maintaining tracking precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image processing task into distinct stages: capturing full images, extracting edge information, generating edge maps, and creating synthetic representations. This segmentation allows each stage to process only the necessary data, reducing overall computational complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the tracking of object movement and mapping of spaces with real-time furniture layout prediction and personal privacy preservation by using non-optical data to generate anonymized layouts and floor plans.
Implementation Method 1
a radar sensor arranged in the sensor block; passively emit radio signals within a threshold distance of the sensor block via the radar sensor; receive returned radio signals, reflected from objects moving in the region, at the first frequency via the radar sensor
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a method includes, at a first sensor block: capturing an image of a space; detecting a constellation of edges representing objects in the space; assembling the constellation of edges into an edge map; and serving the edge map to a remote computer system. The method includes, at the remote computer system: passing the edge map to a model configured to generate synthetic photographic images of the space based on edge maps; receiving a synthetic photographic image of the space from the model, the synthetic photographic image representing locations of objects in the space; and serving the synthetic photographic image to an operator portal for an operator to view an anonymized layout of the space.