Object Counting Device Directional Gate Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object counting systems, such as those using cameras, face challenges in accurately determining the timing of counting objects entering or exiting a site, particularly when objects move in different directions, which affects the accuracy of counting customers or passengers in stores and public transportation.
Innovation Solution
An object counting device and system that includes an image capturer and processor, which captures image sequences and determines the moving direction of objects relative to a gate, allowing for precise counting by distinguishing between entry and exit movements based on defined reference points, preventing double counting and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the object counting device counts all objects passing through the gate, then the counting quantity increases, but the counting accuracy decreases due to double counting of objects moving in different directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the counting process by direction, dividing objects into those moving from the first side to the second side (first accumulated number) and those moving from the second side to the first side (second accumulated number). This segmentation prevents double counting by treating each directional flow separately, thus improving counting accuracy while maintaining comprehensive quantity tracking.
2Device complexity
If the object counting device uses a single counting reference for both entry and exit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the counting accuracy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish moving directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a directional dimension to the counting system by establishing two opposite counting references (first and second sides of the gate). This dimensional addition allows the system to distinguish moving directions without significantly increasing complexity, as the references are simply opposite orientations of the same gate structure.
3Measurement precision
If the object counting device records exit positions for all objects, then the counting accuracy improves, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by recording exit positions selectively based on the object's movement direction. Objects moving from the first side to the second side have their exit positions recorded at the second side, while objects moving from the second side to the first side have their exit positions recorded at the first side. This localized recording approach improves accuracy without requiring universal exit position tracking for all objects.
Data Source
AI summary
An object counting device includes an image capturer and a processor. The image capturer captures an image sequence related to a gate within a field of view. When an object in the image sequence passes through an entry/exit reference corresponding to the gate, the processor determines a moving direction of the object. When the processor determines that the object moves from a first side of the gate towards a second side of the gate, the processor counts the object into a first accumulated number. When the object exits from the field of view, the processor records an exit position of the object. The processor determines whether to count the object into a second accumulated number according to the exit position.