Image Processing Likelihood Calculation for Target Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing technologies face challenges in accurately detecting target objects due to the need for manual adjustments of detection parameters, leading to false positives and false negatives, and rely solely on image features specific to the detection algorithm, which can result in incorrect object detection.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that utilizes a machine learning device to perform learning on partial images from input images, calculating a likelihood of target object detection based on detection results, allowing for automatic determination of detection parameters and incorporating features beyond those used in the detection algorithm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the threshold value of the degree of correspondence is set low to detect more target objects, then the detection coverage is improved, but false positive detection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidfalse positive rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a likelihood calculation mechanism as an intermediary between the detection algorithm and the final detection result. The machine learning device calculates a likelihood value that represents the probability of correct detection, which serves as a mediator to evaluate detection results beyond the simple degree of correspondence threshold, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining detection coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using the calculated likelihood values to adjust and optimize detection parameters. The machine learning device learns from detection results and feedback information to improve the accuracy of likelihood calculation, which in turn refines the detection process and reduces false positives over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the threshold value of the degree of correspondence is set high to reduce false positives, then detection reliability is improved, but false negative detection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter used for detection decision from solely relying on the degree of correspondence to incorporating the likelihood value calculated by the machine learning device. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high detection accuracy while improving detection coverage, as the likelihood calculation captures additional information about detection confidence that the degree of correspondence alone cannot provide

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of detection parameters is performed through trial and error to optimize detection, then detection precision can be improved, but the complexity of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidparameter adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically optimizing detection parameters through the machine learning device. The device learns from training data and automatically determines optimal detection parameters without requiring manual trial and error adjustment, thereby maintaining high detection precision while significantly reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from detection results to automatically adjust and optimize detection parameters. The machine learning device learns from the feedback of detection outcomes and iteratively improves parameter settings, eliminating the need for manual trial and error while maintaining optimal detection precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If only image features used in the detection algorithm are considered for detection, then the detection process is simplified, but detection accuracy decreases due to algorithm-specific limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection process complexityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The machine learning device serves multiple functions: it not only calculates likelihood values but also learns to recognize patterns that improve detection accuracy. By incorporating additional image features and contextual information beyond what the detection algorithm uses, the system achieves more accurate detection without significantly increasing overall process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The likelihood calculation acts as an intermediary layer that processes and integrates multiple features including those beyond the detection algorithm's scope. This intermediary mechanism synthesizes information from various sources to provide more accurate detection results while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11741367B2Apparatus and method for image processing to calculate likelihood of image of target object detected from input image
Publication Date: 2023.08.29 FANUC LTD
  • US11741367B2 patent drawing
  • US11741367B2 patent drawing
  • US11741367B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing apparatus, which receives an input image and detects an image of a target object based on a detection algorithm, includes a machine learning device which performs learning by using a plurality of partial images cut out from at least one input image, based on a result of detection of the image of the target object, and calculates a likelihood of the image of the target object.