Image Tracking Using Distance and Pixel Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies face challenges in tracking moving objects with the same color or luminance, leading to potential misidentification and loss of tracking focus when multiple objects intersect, as they rely solely on color or luminance information.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that utilizes both distance information and pixel value information to track moving objects, allowing for precise identification and tracking by distinguishing between objects based on their distance from the camera and color/luminance values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If tracking is performed based solely on color or luminance information, then the tracking process is simple, but tracking precision deteriorates when multiple objects have the same color or luminance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces distance information as an additional dimension to the tracking process. Instead of relying solely on color or luminance (2D color space), the system now uses a combination of color/luminance and distance (adding the depth dimension), creating a 5-dimensional tracking parameter space (x, y, color, luminance, distance). This dimensional expansion allows differentiation of objects that would otherwise be indistinguishable in the original color-luminance space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the tracking parameters from just color and luminance to include distance information. By modifying the set of parameters used for object identification and tracking, the system can distinguish between multiple objects with identical color and luminance values. The distance parameter acts as an additional discriminator that resolves ambiguities in object identification.
2Measurement precision
If distance information is acquired and used for tracking, then tracking precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image sensor perform multiple functions: it serves both as the primary imaging device for capturing visual information and as a distance measurement device through focus detection. By utilizing the phase difference information already present in the image sensor output, the system avoids adding separate distance measurement hardware, thereby reducing overall device complexity while still achieving precise tracking through multi-parameter identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the imaging function and distance measurement function into a single integrated system. The image sensor and its focus detection capability are merged with the tracking system, allowing simultaneous acquisition of visual information and distance data. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and reduces system complexity while improving tracking precision through the use of combined parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an image processing apparatus including a distance information acquisition unit that acquires distance information on a distance up to an object imaged by an image sensor, a pixel value information acquisition unit that acquires pixel value information of an image corresponding to the object, and a tracking unit that tracks the object that moves, based on the acquired distance information and the acquired pixel value information.