Satellite Image Segmentation for Efficient Object Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The large data size of satellite images makes it difficult for users to handle and process them effectively.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that acquires and processes satellite images by dividing them into smaller, manageable cell images, which are then classified using machine learning classifiers to provide easy-to-handle observation data with added metadata.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If satellite images are provided as complete observation data, then comprehensive information is obtained, but data handling difficulty increases due to huge data size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive informationVSAvoiddata handling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the satellite image into multiple cell images (e.g., 5km x 5km grid cells) to segment the large observation data into smaller, manageable units. This allows users to access only the necessary portions of the image rather than handling the entire large dataset, thereby reducing data handling difficulty while preserving comprehensive information about the target area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and provides only the necessary cell images that contain the target object or area of interest, rather than providing the complete satellite image. This extraction approach reduces the data volume users must handle while maintaining the essential information needed for their purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of information

If complete satellite images are provided, then full observation coverage is achieved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation coverageVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the satellite image into smaller cell images, the processing time is reduced because users only need to process the relevant cells containing the target object rather than the entire image. The segmentation maintains observation coverage for the target area while significantly decreasing processing requirements and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the necessary cell images for processing, eliminating the need to process the entire satellite image. This extraction approach maintains full observation coverage for the area of interest while reducing processing time and computational resources required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If machine learning classification is applied to cell images, then classification accuracy is improved, but computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification accuracyVSAvoidcomputational resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies machine learning classification to individual cell images rather than the entire satellite image. This segmentation approach maintains high classification accuracy for the target area while significantly reducing computational resources required, as only the relevant cells are processed through the classification algorithm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and classifies only the necessary cell images containing the target object, rather than processing the entire satellite image. This extraction approach maintains classification accuracy for the area of interest while reducing computational resource consumption and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3944218B1Information processing apparatus and method for obtaining the number of target objects in an area
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 AXELSPACE CORP
  • EP3944218B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3944218B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3944218B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus (1) comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires observation information obtained through observation of a target region from a flying object flying in outer space; a classification unit that inputs the observation information acquired by the acquisition unit to a classifier so trained as to output a classification result obtained by classifying a target object present in the target region if the observation information is input, and classifies the target object; an acceptance unit that accepts designation input for designating the target object; and an output unit that outputs the observation information including a classification result of the target object designated.