Thermal Object Recognition Using Stereo Matching For Distant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object recognition systems using far-infrared imaging sensors face challenges in accurately detecting distant objects due to insufficient resolution, which results in the shape of the object being indistinguishable from surrounding environments, and this issue is exacerbated by the increased cost associated with using multiple imaging sensors.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a configuration that includes an imaging unit, stereo matching unit, specific temperature region extracting unit, center point estimating unit, area ratio estimating unit, and detection temperature range adjusting unit to calculate distances and adjust detection ranges based on environmental and object areas, allowing accurate detection without the need for multiple sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single far-infrared imaging sensor is used, then cost is reduced, but resolution of distant objects becomes insufficient making object identification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into multiple functional modules: thermal image acquisition, stereo matching for distance calculation, specific temperature region extraction, center point estimation, and area ratio estimation. This segmentation allows a single imaging sensor to provide sufficient data when processed through multiple computational stages, achieving accurate distant object detection without requiring multiple physical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional thermal images to three-dimensional spatial understanding by calculating distance through stereo matching and estimating area ratios based on depth information. This dimensional transformation enables accurate object identification even when resolution is insufficient, as the system leverages depth cues to distinguish objects from background.
2Measurement precision
If multiple types of imaging sensors are used to improve distant object detection, then detection accuracy improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single far-infrared imaging sensor perform multiple functions by processing its output through various computational units: stereo matching for distance measurement, temperature region extraction for object identification, center point estimation for localization, and area ratio calculation for object characterization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple physical sensors with a computational approach using image processing algorithms. Instead of acquiring additional data from multiple sensors, the system extracts rich spatial and thermal information from a single sensor through stereo matching, temperature region extraction, and area ratio estimation computations.
3Shape
If resolution is insufficient for distant objects, then object shape cannot be identified, but using higher resolution requires multiple sensors increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational processing stage that bridges the gap between low-resolution thermal images and accurate object identification. The stereo matching unit calculates distance information, the temperature region extraction unit identifies thermal characteristics, and the area ratio estimation unit determines object size relative to background. These intermediary computations enable shape and object identification without requiring high-resolution input images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for object identification from relying solely on spatial resolution to incorporating distance, temperature characteristics, and area ratio. By transforming the detection parameters to include depth information and thermal property ratios, the system achieves accurate object shape identification even when the imaging resolution is insufficient.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables precise detection of distant objects while preventing a rise in costs by optimizing detection temperature ranges and estimating object temperatures, ensuring accurate identification even in insufficient resolution conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The detected far infrared rays are converted into a thermal image showing a temperature distribution of the detection target by means of photoelectric conversion, signal processing, or the like
Implementation Method 2
Objects emit far infrared rays when radiating heat
Data Source
AI summary
The problem to be solved by the invention is to accurately detect a distant object while preventing an increase in cost. An object recognition device includes: an imaging unit configured to acquire a plurality of thermal images having an object captured therein; a stereo matching unit configured to perform stereo matching using the plurality of thermal images and calculate a distance to the object; a specific temperature region extracting unit configured to extract a specific temperature region from the thermal images; and an area ratio estimating unit configured to estimate, based on the distance to the object calculated by the stereo matching unit, a ratio of an area of the object included in a pixel for the specific temperature region.