Object Tracking With Dynamic Process Noise for Non-Linear Motion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object tracking systems using linear motion models struggle with non-linear object motion, leading to loss of track or identity switches, especially in scenarios with noisy detections and multiple objects, due to inadequate process noise adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A dual-tracking approach is employed, combining a first tracker using a linear motion model with a second tracker that detects motion areas, where the spatial overlap between the two trackers' outputs is used to dynamically adjust the process noise of the first tracker, allowing it to adapt to non-linear motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If process noise is increased to allow greater deviation from the linear motion model, then the tracker can handle non-linear motion better, but the risk of erroneously associating object detections to tracks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle non-linear motionVSAvoidrisk of identity switches

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The process noise is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts the process noise level based on the detected motion characteristics. When non-linear motion is detected, process noise is increased to accommodate the deviation. When linear motion is detected, process noise is decreased to maintain tracking stability and reduce identity switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the motion characteristics of tracked objects and using this information to adjust the process noise. The motion characteristics serve as feedback signals that trigger appropriate adjustments to the process noise level, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing motion conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If process noise is decreased to reduce identity switches, then tracking stability improves, but the tracker struggles to track objects with non-linear motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking stabilityVSAvoidability to track non-linear motion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The process noise is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts the process noise level based on the detected motion characteristics. When non-linear motion is detected, process noise is increased to accommodate the deviation. When linear motion is detected, process noise is decreased to maintain tracking stability and reduce identity switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the process noise parameter based on motion characteristics. By detecting whether motion is linear or non-linear, the system adjusts the process noise parameter accordingly, transforming a fixed parameter into a variable one that adapts to the specific tracking conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a linear motion model is used for tracking, then the tracking filter is computationally efficient, but it cannot accurately model non-linear object motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputational efficiencyVSAvoidability to model non-linear motion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the process noise parameter based on motion characteristics. By detecting whether motion is linear or non-linear, the system adjusts the process noise parameter accordingly, transforming a fixed parameter into a variable one that adapts to the specific tracking conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The process noise is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts the process noise level based on the detected motion characteristics. When non-linear motion is detected, process noise is increased to accommodate the deviation. When linear motion is detected, process noise is decreased to maintain tracking stability and reduce identity switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250371716A1Method and apparatus for tracking an object in a sequence of image frames

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 AXIS

AI summary

A method for tracking an object in a sequence of image frames. A first tracker is used to determine a track of an object in a sequence of image frames by using a linear motion model associated with a process noise. A second tracker is used to determine a track of motion in the sequence of image frames. A spatial overlap in the image frames between the track of the object and the corresponding track of motion is monitored over time. The process noise used by the first tracker is adjusted to increase the uncertainty of the linear motion model as the spatial overlap decreases and decrease the uncertainty of the linear motion model as the spatial overlap increases.