Image Object Segmentation and Similarity Models for Multi-Instance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object detection methods struggle to reliably identify multiple instances of the same object type in robotics applications, particularly in scenarios with varying viewing angles and light conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving machine learning-based object segmentation, similarity level assessment, and model creation to group identical object instances, followed by template formation for improved detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If machine learning-based object segmentation is used to segment images into regions showing object instances, then detection reliability for multiple identical objects is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input image is segmented into multiple image regions, each showing a respective object instance or background. This segmentation enables the system to process and analyze individual object instances separately, improving detection reliability for multiple identical objects while managing complexity through structured data organization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A model representing the object type is created by combining features from multiple image regions showing identical objects. This model serves as a template or copy that can be used to detect and identify object instances, improving detection accuracy without requiring complex real-time analysis of each object individually

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If object instances are grouped by similarity level to create models, then detection accuracy for identical objects is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Object instances are grouped by similarity level and models are created in advance before detection is needed. This preliminary organization of object data into structured models with associated features enables faster and more accurate detection during actual operation, as the grouping and modeling work is completed beforehand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses similarity levels to evaluate and group image regions, creating feedback loops where detection results inform model creation and refinement. This iterative process improves detection accuracy by continuously refining object models based on observed similarities and differences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If local feature-based methods are used for object detection, then device complexity is kept low, but adaptability to different viewing angles and light conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability to viewing angles and light conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed local feature detection to machine learning-based segmentation that can adapt to various viewing angles and light conditions. By training models on diverse object representations and using similarity-based grouping, the system achieves parameter flexibility without requiring complex real-time computation during detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250232465A1Method for detecting objects in image data
Publication Date: 2025.07.17 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US20250232465A1 patent drawing
  • US20250232465A1 patent drawing
  • US20250232465A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for detecting objects in image data. The method includes: segmenting an input image into a plurality of image regions, each image region showing a respective instance of a respective object type or an image background; ascertaining at least one group of the image regions showing instances of the same object type according to an image region similarity level; for each ascertained group, combining the instances of the object type that the image regions of the group show into a model for the object type; and detecting further instances of the object type or other objects in the input image or in one or more further input images on the basis of the model.