Object Tracking Pose Estimation Using Simulated Sensor Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object tracking methods in augmented reality require extensive acquisition and compilation of sensor data for training deep neural networks, which is time-consuming and costly, and may not be feasible in security-relevant applications where detailed object data is confidential.

Innovation Solution

Training a deep neural network using simulated sensor data generated from three-dimensional object models, such as CAD data, to estimate sensor poses without requiring actual sensor data, allowing for high accuracy and confidentiality in object tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If real sensor data is used for training deep neural networks in object tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and loss of substance increase due to extensive data acquisition and compilation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-generates comprehensive training datasets using simulated sensor data before the actual training phase. By preparing all necessary training examples in advance through simulation, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming real data acquisition during training, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and loss of time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates synthetic copies of real sensor data through simulation. Instead of using actual sensor data for training, the system generates realistic simulated sensor data that replicates the characteristics of real data, thereby maintaining measurement precision while avoiding the time and resource costs of collecting real data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If real sensor data is used for training deep neural networks in object tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to extensive data acquisition and compilation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoiddata storage resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simulated sensor data as synthetic copies替代 real sensor data for training purposes. This approach maintains the statistical properties and characteristics needed for accurate tracking while dramatically reducing the storage resources required, as simulated data can be generated on-demand rather than stored in large datasets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simulation to generate training data with varied parameters and conditions. By changing simulation parameters to create diverse training scenarios, the system achieves comprehensive training coverage without needing to store vast amounts of real sensor data, thus reducing loss of substance while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If detailed object data is used for training, then measurement precision is improved, but confidentiality is compromised in security-relevant applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidobject confidentiality
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simulated sensor data that replicates the visual and sensor characteristics of objects without requiring access to the actual objects or their detailed specifications. This synthetic copying approach maintains tracking accuracy while preserving confidentiality, as the simulation process does not need to know or store sensitive object information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces simulation as an intermediary between the training process and the actual objects. The simulator acts as a mediator that generates realistic training data without direct access to confidential object data, thus enabling accurate tracking while maintaining security and confidentiality in sensitive applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3953862B1Method for providing an object tracking function
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3953862B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3953862B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3953862B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for providing an object tracking function, wherein, on the basis of detected sensor data (5) of a sensor (20), the object tracking function provides a sensor position (12) relative to an object to be tracked, wherein the object tracking function is provided by means of a deep neural network (1) that has been trained in an object-specific manner, and wherein the deep neural network (1) that has been trained in an object-specific manner is trained using simulated sensor data (8). The invention also relates to a device (30) for data processing, a computer program and a computer-readable storage medium.