Object Detection Using Symmetry Evaluation for Reduced Processing Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques face challenges in accurately detecting the position and size of objects in images while minimizing arithmetic processing load, which is essential for various applications.
Innovation Solution
An object detection apparatus that includes an image input unit, an image feature quantity extraction unit, and a symmetry evaluation unit, which evaluates symmetry by calculating weighted correlation values across a central axis, allowing for the detection of object size and position with high accuracy using less arithmetic processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional object detection techniques are used to obtain both position and size information, then detection accuracy is improved, but arithmetic processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential symmetry information from images by calculating correlation values between symmetrical pixel regions around a central axis. Instead of processing entire images or using complex detection algorithms, the method extracts symmetry correlation values for candidate object regions, significantly reducing arithmetic processing while maintaining detection accuracy for position and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from comprehensive image analysis to symmetry-based correlation calculation. By varying the size of symmetry evaluation areas and calculating correlation coefficients between symmetrical pixel groups, the method transforms the detection problem into a parameter optimization task that requires fewer computational resources while achieving accurate object position and size detection.
2Measurement precision
If symmetry evaluation with varied area sizes is performed, then object detection accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing task into distinct stages: first identifying candidate object regions, then evaluating symmetry for each candidate by calculating correlation values between symmetrical pixel groups. This segmentation allows the system to apply symmetry evaluation only where needed rather than processing the entire image, reducing overall complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs symmetry evaluation with varied area sizes for candidate object regions rather than for the entire image. By applying the symmetry evaluation process selectively to potential object locations and using a limited range of area sizes, the method achieves sufficient detection accuracy without the excessive complexity of exhaustive evaluation across all possible regions and scales.
Data Source
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AI summary
Important information about an object is detected using less arithmetic processing. An object detection unit (22) generates an edge image from a color image. The object detection unit (22) evaluates symmetry of an image included in the edge image. The object detection unit (22) identifies a symmetry center pixel forming an object having symmetry. The object detection unit (22) detects an object width for each symmetry center pixel. The object detection unit (22) identifies the width of the object in the vertical direction based on the width of the symmetry center pixels in the vertical direction, and identifies the width of the object in the horizontal direction based on the object width identified for each symmetry center pixel.