Ground Object Detection Using Dynamic Shadow Length Gauges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting objects on the ground using reflected waves face challenges in accurately identifying object sizes due to varying shadow sizes in images, especially when geography and device position are considered, leading to tedious operator intervention and high false alarm rates.
Innovation Solution
A device with a display and computational module that allows an operator to designate positions on an image, using a cursor with a gauge to determine the expected shadow length based on object height, oblique distance, and ground slope, reducing the need for manual computations and minimizing false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If shadow detection is used to detect objects on the ground, then object detection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to varying shadow sizes depending on geography and device position
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter used for object detection from direct shadow size measurement to shadow length comparison against computationally determined expected shadow lengths. The computational module calculates expected shadow lengths based on object height, oblique distance, and ground slope, allowing operators to compare actual shadow lengths against these computed values rather than relying on fixed shadow size thresholds, thereby improving measurement precision across varying geographic conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary computational module that acts as a mediator between the raw shadow detection and the final object identification. This module computes expected shadow lengths based on geometric parameters (object height, oblique distance, ground slope) and provides reference values for operators to compare against actual shadow measurements, enabling precise object size determination despite variations in geography and device position
2Measurement precision
If manual evaluation of shadow sizes is performed by operators, then detection accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to tedious manual computations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computational action by pre-calculating expected shadow lengths based on object height, oblique distance, and ground slope parameters. These computed reference values are made available to operators before the actual detection process, eliminating the need for operators to perform time-consuming manual computations during analysis. The computational module prepares the reference data in advance, allowing operators to simply compare and identify objects efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical manual computation process with an automated computational module. Instead of operators manually calculating expected shadow lengths and performing tedious analysis, the computational module automatically computes expected shadow lengths based on input parameters and provides reference values for comparison, substituting human computational effort with automated electronic computation to reduce time loss while maintaining detection accuracy
3Ease of operation
If fixed shadow size thresholds are used for object detection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to high false alarm rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms fixed shadow size thresholds into dynamic expected shadow length references that automatically adapt to varying conditions. The computational module calculates expected shadow lengths based on actual object height, oblique distance, and ground slope parameters, creating dynamic reference values that change with environmental conditions. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation through automated computation while significantly improving reliability by reducing false alarms caused by fixed thresholds unable to adapt to geographic variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from fixed shadow size thresholds to variable expected shadow lengths computed from multiple parameters (object height, oblique distance, ground slope). This parameter transformation allows the detection system to adapt to different geographic conditions and device positions, maintaining operational simplicity through automated computation while improving reliability by eliminating false alarms associated with rigid fixed thresholds
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
This solution simplifies object detection by automatically adjusting the cursor gauge to match expected shadow lengths, significantly reducing operator workload, analysis time, and false alarm rates, while ensuring only compatible-sized contacts are detected.
Implementation Method 1
Devices for detecting reflected waves especially include sonars, radars and lidars. A device for imaging reflected waves comprises an emitter emitting wave trains, i.e. wave pulses. The wave trains or wave pulses are acoustic pulses in the case of sonars, and electromagnetic pulses in the case of radars and lidars. The emitter is arranged so as to emit at least one wave pulse toward an observed zone of the ground with a grazing incidence. These waves are reflected by the ground or objects on the ground and the imaging device comprises a receiver that measures the echoes reflected by the irradiated zone.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for assisting with the detection of a sought object on the ground, said object having a first preset height, comprising:a display device configured to display an image (12) generated from echoes measured by a device for imaging reflected waves, the image (12) representing the intensities of echoes generated by the observed zone and extending at least along a distance axis (d) representing the oblique distances separating the reflected-wave imaging device from echo-generating reflectors, the display device allowing a cursor (14) to be displayed superposed on said image on said screen; anda computational module configured to determine an expected length (w), along the distance axis (d), of an expected shadow (19, 20) projected in the image (12) by the sought object assuming that the sought object is positioned at a sighted position on the ground corresponding to the position of the observed zone associated with a position (P) designated by the cursor (14), the cursor (14) comprising at least one gauge (142) of the expected shadow, which gauge is dimensioned and arranged so as to allow an operator to verify that a shadow projected in the image (12) in the vicinity of the designated position (P) has the expected length along the distance axis (d).