Mono Camera Object Motion Detection via Temporal Position Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for analyzing the traffic situation around a vehicle require complex and costly stereo camera systems to determine object properties, which can be simplified using a mono camera to determine the state of motion of objects, such as stationary or moving vehicles, signs, and lane markings.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mono camera to capture images of objects at least twice, determining their positions, and assessing the camera's movement between captures to classify objects as stationary or moving, allowing for the use of a cost-effective and simpler system for object state determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stereo camera system is used to determine object properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D stereo image processing to 3D spatial-temporal analysis by incorporating time as an additional dimension. Multiple images captured at different time points allow the system to infer depth and object properties through temporal changes in object position and appearance, eliminating the need for complex stereo camera calibration while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the simple mono camera and object property determination. These algorithms analyze temporal sequences of images to extract spatial information, effectively mediating between the simple hardware and the complex measurement requirements without needing a complex stereo camera system.
2Device complexity
If a mono camera is used to capture images, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of multiple images at different time points before any analysis occurs. This temporal preprocessing creates a rich dataset that contains embedded spatial information, allowing the simple mono camera to achieve precision comparable to stereo systems through subsequent temporal analysis of the pre-captured image sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from simultaneous spatial coordinates (requiring stereo cameras) to temporal-spatial trajectories. By measuring how object positions change over time in a sequence of mono images, the system extracts depth and motion information that would otherwise require complex stereo calibration, thereby maintaining precision while simplifying hardware.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured to determine object motion state, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective processing where not all captured images are fully analyzed. After initial detection of object positions in a time sequence, the system skips detailed analysis of frames where objects show minimal change, rushing through the processing of redundant information while maintaining precision for objects that do change state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial analysis on the full image sequence by focusing computational resources only on time points where object state changes are detected. Rather than analyzing every frame in detail, it applies excessive sampling during critical transitions and reduced sampling during stable periods, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and processing time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the state of motion of objects (16, 24), in which several images depicting at least one object (16, 24) are successively captured as an image sequence using a camera (20). To determine the position (12) of the object (16, 24), an image position of the depiction of the object (16, 24) is determined in at least one part of the images. The movement (14a to 14c) of the camera (20) between the capture times of each pair of images used to determine the position of the object (16, 24) is recorded. Furthermore, a first determination of the position (12, 12') of the object (16, 24) is carried out using the image positions of the object (16, 24) determined in two images and the movement (14a to 14c) of the camera (20) between the capture times of the two images.Furthermore, at least one second determination of the object's position (12, 12') is performed using the object's position (16, 24) determined in two additional images and the camera's movement (14a to 14c) between the capture times of these two additional images. At least one image used for the first determination of the object's position (12, 12') differs from the images used for the second determination. It is then verified whether the first determined position (12, 12') and the second determined position (12, 12') of the object are plausible and agree.