Object Detection Device Location Accuracy Parallax

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional object detection technologies focus on the reliability of object identification but neglect the accuracy of location information, which is crucial for appropriate vehicle control in surrounding environments.

Innovation Solution

An object detection device using a stereo camera that generates parallax images, extracts 3D objects, tracks them, and determines location accuracy through a location information generation unit, ensuring accurate pedestrian location prediction and collision likelihood assessment for preventive safety and vehicle control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional object detection technology is used to evaluate reliability of object identification, then object identification reliability is improved, but location accuracy is neglected and insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject identification reliabilityVSAvoidlocation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the evaluation process into two distinct parts: object identification reliability evaluation and location accuracy evaluation. The location information generation unit separately evaluates the reliability of distance information and the accuracy of location data, allowing each aspect to be optimized independently without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation mechanism that assesses the reliability of distance information as a mediator between the stereo camera detection and the final location determination. This intermediary layer provides confidence values that help weigh and combine multiple location estimates, improving overall location accuracy while maintaining identification reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If location accuracy evaluation is added to the object detection system, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The location information generation unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates location estimates from multiple sources, evaluates the reliability of distance information, calculates weighted combinations of location data, and provides both location accuracy and identification reliability metrics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing distance information and detection data to self-evaluate location accuracy without requiring external reference systems or additional complex hardware. The reliability evaluation is performed internally using the same stereo camera data that is already being processed for object detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple location estimation methods are combined to improve accuracy, then location accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The system does not always process all available location estimation methods equally. Instead, it uses the reliability evaluation to selectively process only the most reliable location estimates first, or to apply simpler processing to low-reliability data. This partial processing approach achieves sufficient accuracy without the full computational burden of processing all data maximally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes processing parameters based on reliability evaluations. When distance information has high reliability, the system can use more computationally intensive methods. When reliability is low, it uses simpler methods or gives less weight to those estimates, thereby adapting processing time to the actual quality of the input data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances vehicle control by accurately predicting pedestrian movement and collision likelihood, reducing errors and delays in control actions by considering location accuracy, thereby improving safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a 3D object is detected by using a distance image generated by a stereo camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParallax: Parallax

Data Source

PatentEP3258214B1Object detection device
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 ASTEMO LTD
  • EP3258214B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3258214B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3258214B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an object detection device conducive to carrying out control in an appropriate manner according to the surrounding environment, with consideration to the accuracy of locations of detected objects. The device is characterized by being provided with: a parallax information generation unit for generating parallax information from a plurality of parallax images acquired from a plurality of imaging units; an object detection unit for detecting objects contained in the parallax images; a location information generation unit for generating location information about the objects, on the basis of the parallax information; and a location accuracy information generation unit for generating location accuracy information pertaining to the accuracy of the location information, on the basis of the condition of generation of the parallax information.