Gradient Estimation Device Using Perpendicular Pixel Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gradient estimation techniques for road surfaces are prone to accuracy degradation due to errors in the position and posture of imaging devices, particularly when influenced by white lines extending in the gradient direction.
Innovation Solution
A gradient estimation device that extracts pixels aligned in a direction different from the gradient direction from two images and transforms them to enhance matching, thereby reducing the influence of white lines and improving estimation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gradient estimation is performed using conventional image transformation methods, then the estimation process can be completed, but the estimation accuracy is deteriorated due to white line interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing by separating pixels into two groups: those aligned with the gradient direction (which contain harmful white line information) and those aligned perpendicular to the gradient direction (which contain useful gradient information). This segmentation allows the system to exclude harmful pixels from the transformation parameter calculation, thereby improving gradient estimation accuracy while eliminating white line interference.
2Measurement precision
If image transformation is performed to eliminate luminance difference, then the transformation parameter can be calculated, but the position and posture errors of the imaging device cause accuracy degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary pixels (those perpendicular to the gradient direction) for calculating the transformation parameter, while excluding pixels that are harmful due to white line interference. By taking out only the essential information needed for accurate gradient estimation and discarding problematic data, the system achieves higher reliability and robustness against imaging device position and posture errors.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a gradient estimation device includes one or more processors. The processors acquire a first image and a second image obtained by photographing a surface of an object. The processors extract, from the first image, a first pixel indicating a boundary of an object in a direction different from a gradient direction of the surface, and extract a second pixel corresponding to the first pixel from the second image. The processors calculate gradient magnitude of the surface by transforming at least one of the first image and the second image such that a matching degree between the first pixel and the second pixel is increased.