Image Analysis with Standard Objects for Absolute Distance Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth maps only provide relative distance information, making it impossible to calculate the absolute distance of objects within the map.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for image analysis that includes an imaging unit, an object detection unit, a depth map generation unit, and a map analysis unit to calculate an absolute distance for an entire depth map by selecting a standard object and applying its absolute distance to the remaining portion of the map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If only relative distance information is provided in the depth map, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to calculate absolute distance of objects is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standard map object with known absolute size as an intermediary reference. By comparing the relative size of this standard object in the depth map with its known absolute size, the system establishes a conversion relationship that enables calculation of absolute distances for all objects in the scene without adding complex hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the depth map from containing only relative distance information to enabling absolute distance calculation by introducing a reference parameter (the standard map object's known size). This parameter change allows the system to convert relative measurements into absolute measurements through proportional relationships
2Measurement precision
If standard objects with known sizes are selected from the captured image, then absolute distance calculation becomes possible, but the object detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses objects that are already present in the captured image scene as standard reference objects. These objects serve dual purposes: they are both targets of detection and provide the reference scale needed for absolute distance calculation, eliminating the need for separate reference calibration hardware or procedures
3Measurement precision
If absolute distance is calculated for the entire depth map using a standard map object, then measurement precision is improved, but the calculation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs object detection and identifies standard map objects in real-time from the captured image before depth map processing. By preparing the reference object identification in advance, the subsequent absolute distance calculation can be efficiently performed using the pre-identified reference, reducing overall processing time
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for image analysis, and more particularly to, an apparatus and method for image analysis for calculating an absolute distance for an entire depth map (300) by calculating an absolute distance of a standard map object (310) among map objects included in the depth map (300) and applying the absolute distance to the remaining portion of the depth map (300). The apparatus for image analysis includes: an imaging unit (110) generating a captured image (200); an object detection unit (140) detecting an object from the captured image (200); a depth map generation unit generating a depth map (300) for the captured image (200); and a map analysis unit (160) calculating an absolute distance for an entire area of the depth map (300) by selecting a standard object among the detected objects and referring to an absolute distance calculated for a standard map object (310) corresponding to the standard object among map objects included in the depth map (300).