Multiclass Object Detection in Satellite Imagery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging systems face challenges in effectively detecting, classifying, and identifying objects in satellite imagery due to variations in object appearance caused by factors like time of day, season, shadows, and terrain, and struggle with multiclass vehicle detection, requiring laborious retraining and failing to account for unique challenges of satellite imagery.

Innovation Solution

A system that processes satellite or terrestrial images using techniques like embedding and deep learning to detect, classify, and identify multiple types of objects, generating baseline data for initial reports and comparing subsequent images to detect changes in object type, count, position, and orientation, with alerts triggered when changes exceed a user-defined threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional imaging systems are used for object detection in satellite imagery, then basic detection capability is provided, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to variations in object appearance caused by time of day, season, shadows, and terrain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidappearance variation robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from labeled example data to continuously improve the machine learning model. Users can provide feedback by labeling examples of objects and non-objects, and this feedback is used to retrain the model, improving its ability to accurately detect objects despite variations in appearance, lighting conditions, terrain, and seasonal changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system adapts to different appearance parameters of objects by training on diverse example data that includes variations in lighting, season, shadow, and terrain. The machine learning model learns to recognize objects across different parameter ranges, enabling accurate detection regardless of specific appearance conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional systems are used for multiclass vehicle detection, then basic detection is possible, but retraining becomes laborious and time-consuming when new classes need to be added

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidretraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-training a machine learning model on a comprehensive dataset of example data before specific detection tasks are needed. This pre-trained model serves as a foundation that can be efficiently fine-tuned for new classes without requiring complete retraining, significantly reducing the time and labor required to add new vehicle classes or detect new object types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The machine learning model is designed with universality to detect multiple classes of objects including different vehicle types, animals, people, and other objects of interest. A single trained model can serve multiple detection functions and can be adapted to new classes by adding new example data, eliminating the need for separate training for each object class and reducing overall retraining time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional systems are used for satellite imagery analysis, then basic processing is possible, but they fail to account for unique challenges such as large scale, low resolution, and atmospheric interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service through automated machine learning processes that automatically train on provided example data without requiring complex manual configuration. The machine learning model automatically adapts to the specific challenges of satellite imagery such as large scale and low resolution by learning from the actual data characteristics, reducing the need for complex manual tuning and system configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces conventional mechanical image processing techniques with machine learning-based automated detection. Instead of relying on hand-crafted algorithms that struggle with satellite imagery challenges, the system uses trained neural networks that can automatically handle variations in scale, resolution, and atmospheric interference, simplifying the overall system while improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If frequent retraining is performed to maintain detection accuracy, then detection performance is improved, but system efficiency deteriorates and computational resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection performanceVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by training a comprehensive machine learning model once with a diverse set of example data that represents various conditions and object types. This initial training creates a robust foundation that maintains high detection performance over time without requiring frequent retraining, as the pre-trained model can handle new data through efficient fine-tuning or incremental learning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where users can provide labeled examples of objects and non-objects that the system encounters. This feedback is used to periodically refine and update the machine learning model, maintaining detection performance without requiring frequent complete retrainings. The feedback-driven incremental updates are computationally efficient compared to full retrainings while still improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240331375A1Systems for multiclass object detection and alerting and methods therefor
Publication Date: 2024.10.03 PERCIPIENT AI INC
  • US20240331375A1 patent drawing
  • US20240331375A1 patent drawing
  • US20240331375A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods and techniques for detecting, identifying and classifying objects, including multiple classes of objects, from satellite or terrestrial imagery where the objects of interest may be of low resolution. Includes techniques, systems and methods for alerting a user to changes in the detected objects, together with a user interface that permits a user to rapidly understand the data presented while providing the ability to easily and quickly obtain more granular supporting data.