Ship Target Correlation Using Image-Based Distance Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target monitoring systems fail to accurately associate targets detected in images from cameras with those detected by other apparatuses, such as radar or AIS, due to discrepancies in position and distance estimation.
Innovation Solution
A target monitoring system that includes a camera, a detecting apparatus, and processing circuitry to detect the in-image position of targets, estimate distances based on image and actual positions, and identify corresponding targets, using methods like setting distance ranges with the waterline as reference and considering camera posture and parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If image recognition is used to detect targets in the sea, then target detection capability is improved, but accurate position acquisition and correspondence with other detecting apparatus remains unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a detecting apparatus (such as radar or AIS) - that provides accurate position data to serve as a reference. This intermediary bridges the gap between image recognition (which provides detection capability) and accurate position acquisition, allowing the system to correlate image-detected targets with precisely positioned targets from the detecting apparatus through position matching.
2Measurement precision
If distance estimation is performed based on in-image position, then target identification is improved, but error in distance estimation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the detecting apparatus to provide actual position information that serves as ground truth. The system estimates distance from image data, then compares this estimation with the actual position detected by the detecting apparatus. This feedback loop allows the system to validate and correct distance estimations, improving both accuracy and reliability by identifying and discarding erroneous detections.
3Productivity
If target detection is performed without position verification, then detection speed is improved, but erroneous detection above horizon increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing position verification using the detecting apparatus before finalizing target detection results. Instead of detecting targets and then verifying positions, the system first establishes accurate position references from the detecting apparatus, then uses these pre-established references to quickly verify and filter image-detected targets. This preliminary positioning enables fast yet accurate detection by pre-computing the verification framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A target monitoring system includes: a camera, mounted in a ship; a detecting apparatus, mounted in the ship and detecting an actual position of a target present around the ship; an image recognizing unit, detecting an in-image position of the target included in an image imaged by the camera; a distance estimating unit, estimating a range of a distance from the ship to the target based on the in-image position of the target; and a target identifying unit, identifying the target detected from the image and the target detected by the detecting apparatus based on the range of the distance that is estimated and the actual position that is detected.