3D Position Estimation Using Object Height Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the three-dimensional position of an object using a single camera are inaccurate, especially when the object's field of view does not overlap with multiple cameras, and are prone to errors when monitoring individuals with non-average height or when objects are hidden, leading to decreased position estimation accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A position detection device that includes a detection unit for multiple cameras, a determination unit to assess whether the object is detected by two or more cameras, and estimation units to calculate the three-dimensional position based on camera positions, orientations, and object height, allowing for accurate position estimation even when the object is monitored by a single camera or when fields of view do not overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small number of cameras is arranged in a monitoring area, then device complexity is reduced, but position estimation accuracy deteriorates because the object may be monitored by a single camera alone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing height information of objects (particularly persons) in advance. This allows the single-camera position estimation unit to accurately estimate three-dimensional positions even when only one camera monitors the object, by combining the stored height information with two-dimensional position data from that single camera, thereby resolving the contradiction between using fewer cameras and maintaining position estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit acts as an intermediary that determines whether an object is monitored by multiple cameras or a single camera. Based on this determination, the system selectively switches between the multi-camera position estimation unit and the single-camera position estimation unit. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to maintain high position estimation accuracy across different monitoring scenarios while using a small number of cameras
2Device complexity
If average height of persons is used for position estimation, then device complexity is reduced, but position estimation accuracy deteriorates when persons with non-average height or children are monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies parameter changes by storing and utilizing the actual height information of specific objects (persons) instead of relying on average height values. The height information storage unit stores pre-acquired height data for each person, and the single-camera position estimation unit uses this specific person's height parameter to calculate accurate three-dimensional positions. This approach adapts the estimation parameter to match the actual object being monitored, thereby maintaining high accuracy for persons of all heights including children
3Device complexity
If a single camera is used to monitor an object, then device complexity is reduced, but position estimation accuracy deteriorates due to detection failure or object occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by enabling the single-camera position estimation unit to independently and accurately estimate three-dimensional positions using the object's stored height information and the single camera's two-dimensional position data. This self-sufficient capability allows the system to maintain reliable position estimation even when only one camera monitors the object, without requiring complex multi-camera coordination or additional external devices
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device includes a detection unit configured to detect an object from an image captured by each of a plurality of image capturing devices, a determination unit configured to determine whether the object is detected by two image capturing devices or more in the image capturing devices, a first estimation unit configured to estimate, when the object have been detected by the two image capturing devices or more, a three-dimensional position and information on a height of the object based on a detected position where the object is detected in an image captured for each of the two image capturing devices and positions and orientations of the two image capturing devices, and a second estimation unit configured to estimate, when the object have been detected by a single image capturing device, the three-dimensional position of the object.