Automated Satellite Image Difference Map Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating difference maps from satellite images are time-consuming and subjective, prone to individual differences, and may deviate from actual observed images due to manual data generation and reliance on trained models.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device and method that deform object presence areas in two observed images based on observation angles and object sizes to generate deformed images, which are then synthesized to identify differences, thereby reducing individual variability and ensuring accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual data generation and trained models are used to generate difference maps, then accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption increases and individual biases are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of difference mapVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of generating difference maps with an automated image processing system that uses observed images and deformation information to automatically generate difference maps, eliminating human time investment and subjectivity while maintaining accuracy through algorithmic consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the image processing device to automatically generate difference maps using observed images and deformation data without requiring manual intervention or trained models, making the process independent of human operators and their individual biases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual generation of difference maps is performed, then individual differences and subjectivity are introduced, but the process can be flexible and adaptive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of manual processingVSAvoidobjectivity of difference map

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes manual mechanical processing with an automated system that processes observed images through consistent algorithms, eliminating individual differences and subjectivity while maintaining reliability through deterministic computational processes that produce identical results for identical inputs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If synthesized difference maps are generated from manually created images, then the process is fast, but the results may deviate from actual observed image changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of difference map generationVSAvoidaccuracy relative to actual changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses actual observed images as the source material for generating difference maps, creating accurate copies of real-world changes rather than synthesizing from manually created images. This ensures the difference maps faithfully represent actual ground surface changes while maintaining fast automated processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual image creation with automated processing of observed images, ensuring that the generated difference maps accurately reflect actual changes captured in the observed images while maintaining high productivity through automated deformation analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20230245287A1Image processing device and image processing method

Publication Date: 2023.08.03 NEC CORP

AI summary

The image processing device 60 includes an image deformation unit 61 which deforms object presence areas in two object presence images, in which one or more objects are present, obtained from each of two observed images to generate two deformed images, based on an observation angle of each of the two observed images and a size of the object appearing in each of the two observed images, and an image generation unit 62 which generates a synthesized image by synthesizing the two deformed images, determines difference of the object between the two object presence images, and generates an image capable of identifying the determined difference.