Hybrid Object Tracking Using Image and Radio Position Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems face challenges in accurately tracking objects due to unreliable position identification, especially under conditions of lighting variation or overlap with similar objects, leading to erroneous tracking and loss of the original tracking object from the imaging range.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that utilizes both video image analysis and radio wave detection to identify the position of an object, determining overlap and separation, and adjusts the imaging direction to maintain tracking, even when video-based identification is unreliable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If video-based object identification is used for tracking, then tracking can be performed using image data, but position identification reliability decreases when objects overlap or lighting varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines video-based object identification with radio wave-based position identification to create a hybrid tracking system. When objects overlap or lighting conditions cause video identification reliability to decrease, the system switches to or integrates radio wave position data (from Bluetooth or other wireless devices) to maintain accurate tracking. This merging of two different identification methods resolves the contradiction by providing reliable tracking through multiple pathways.
2Productivity
If tracking is performed based on video image analysis, then visual tracking is achieved, but erroneous tracking occurs when the tracking object overlaps with similar objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radio wave position identification as an intermediary mechanism to verify and correct video-based tracking data. When the system detects that video analysis may lead to erroneous tracking (such as when tracking objects overlap with similar objects), it uses radio wave position data from wireless devices as a mediator to confirm the actual position of the tracking object, thereby preventing tracking errors while maintaining fast tracking response.
3Adaptability or versatility
If feature amount matching is used for object identification, then object recognition is performed, but identification fails when peripheral light color changes or object orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the identification parameter from visual features (color, shape, orientation) to radio wave signal characteristics. Instead of relying on video-based feature matching that fails when peripheral light color changes or object orientation changes, the system uses radio wave position data which provides stable identification regardless of visual appearance changes. This parameter change from optical to electromagnetic wave-based identification resolves the reliability issue.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus comprising: a first identifying unit configured to identify the position of an object that is a tracking target based on an image obtained by an imaging unit; a second identifying unit configured to identify the position of the object based on radio waves received from a wireless device that the object holds; a first determination unit configured to determine whether or not the object overlaps with another object in the image obtained by the imaging unit; a second determination unit configured to determine whether or not a distance between the object and the another object in the image obtained by the imaging unit has been separated by a predetermined distance or more; and a tracking unit configured to perform tracking of the object based on the position of the object identified by the first identifying unit, wherein if the first identifying unit determines that the object overlaps with the another object in the image obtained by the imaging unit, and then if the second identifying unit determines that the distance between the object and the another object has been separated by a predetermined distance or more in the image obtained by the imaging unit, the tracking unit performs tracking of the object based on the position of the object identified by the second identification unit.