Synthetic Image Generation for Object Detection Training Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Developing large realistic visual data sets with high accuracy, specificity, and diversity for object detection systems is challenging, especially using conventional methods that rely on manual data collection and human labeling, which slows the development and deployment of these systems.

Innovation Solution

An unsupervised cross-domain synthetic image generation system that uses a processor and memory to generate augmented CAD models based on 3D CAD models, incorporating a graph data structure and generative adversarial networks to produce synthetic photorealistic images with attributes corresponding to various classes, including anomalies, thereby creating diverse and accurate training data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional manual data collection and human labeling methods are used, then data accuracy can be achieved, but productivity is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoiddata generation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses generative adversarial networks to create synthetic copies of real-world images and data patterns. The GAN generates photorealistic training images that replicate the statistical properties and visual characteristics of actual data without requiring manual collection or labeling, thus achieving both accuracy and high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs unsupervised learning where the model automatically learns data distributions and generates training samples without human intervention. The unsupervised anomaly detection framework self-trains on the generated data, eliminating the need for manual labeling while maintaining data quality and accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If diverse training data with various view angles and environmental conditions is collected manually, then data diversity is improved, but the complexity of the data collection process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata diversityVSAvoiddata collection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically varies multiple parameters including view angles, lighting conditions, environmental settings, and object orientations during synthetic data generation. By programmatically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves comprehensive data diversity without the logistical complexity of manual data collection across different physical scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The generative adversarial network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates diverse images, applies various transformations, creates different environmental conditions, and produces annotated training data all through a single unified system, eliminating the need for separate data collection processes for each type of variation

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

3Measurement precision

If large scale realistic visual data sets are created manually, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidtraining data preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary synthetic data generation and model pre-training before actual deployment. By pre-generating large volumes of diverse training data and pre-training the detection model on synthetic datasets, the system reduces the time required for final deployment and achieves detection accuracy without the time-consuming manual data collection process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The generative adversarial network rapidly produces large volumes of photorealistic training images that copy the essential characteristics of real-world data. This synthetic data copying process occurs computationally at high speed, generating millions of training samples in minutes rather than the months or years required for manual data collection and labeling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4125047B1Systems and methods for synthetic image generation
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 THE BOEING CO
  • EP4125047B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4125047B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4125047B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image generation system (10) is provided to: receive a 3D CAD (computer aided design) model (28) comprising 3D model images of a target object; generate a graph data structure (23); based on the 3D CAD model (28) of the target object and the graph data structure (23), generate a plurality of augmented CAD models (32a-d) of the target object comprising a plurality of data sets (32a-d), each data set (32a-d) respectively corresponding to an associated one of a plurality of attribute classes, each data set (32a-d) comprising a plurality of 2D model images; input the plurality of data sets (32a-d) into a generative adversarial network (34); generate synthetic photorealistic images (40) of the target object using the plurality of generators (36a-d) of the generative adversarial network (34), the synthetic photorealistic images (40) including attributes in accordance with the plurality of data sets (32a-d) corresponding to the plurality of attribute classes; and output the synthetic photorealistic images (40) of the target object.