Unified Convolutional Model for Detection, Classification, and Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer vision models typically perform object detection, classification, and segmentation as separate tasks, which can be inefficient and time-consuming, especially in high-resolution image analysis like microscopy or satellite imaging.

Innovation Solution

A fully convolutional deep learning model generates classification and segmentation maps simultaneously, using Gaussian peak targets for object centroids, enabling efficient post-processing to detect, classify, and segment objects in a single model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate models are used for object detection, classification, and segmentation, then each task can be performed with dedicated optimization, but the overall processing time and computational resources increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask-specific accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines object detection, classification, and segmentation into a single unified convolutional neural network model. The network shares common feature extraction layers across all three tasks, with task-specific heads branching off from shared intermediate representations. This merging eliminates redundant computations and allows simultaneous execution of all three tasks in a single forward pass, dramatically reducing processing time while maintaining competitive accuracy through shared feature learning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified model employs a multi-functional architecture where a single convolutional backbone serves multiple purposes: generating detection maps for object localization, producing classification maps for category identification, and creating segmentation maps for pixel-level boundary definition. This universal feature extraction capability allows the model to perform all three tasks concurrently without requiring separate specialized models, optimizing both speed and resource utilization.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate models are deployed for different vision tasks, then comprehensive analysis can be achieved, but device complexity and computational overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask coverageVSAvoidmodel architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates detection, classification, and segmentation capabilities into a single unified model architecture. By sharing convolutional feature extraction layers across all tasks and implementing task-specific output heads that branch from common intermediate representations, the system achieves comprehensive multi-task coverage while minimizing architectural complexity and computational overhead compared to deploying separate specialized models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If high-resolution images are processed for detailed analysis, then measurement precision improves, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection accuracyVSAvoidanalysis speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified convolutional model processes high-resolution input images through shared feature extraction layers that simultaneously generate detection maps, classification maps, and segmentation maps. This parallel multi-task processing within a single forward pass enables the model to maintain high detection accuracy on detailed high-resolution imagery while improving analysis speed by eliminating redundant computations that would occur with separate models processed sequentially.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250356669A1Model for object detection, classification, and segmentation
Publication Date: 2025.11.20 NEC LABORATORIES AMERICA INC
  • US20250356669A1 patent drawing
  • US20250356669A1 patent drawing
  • US20250356669A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for image analysis include processing an input image with a convolutional model that generates classification maps and a segmentation map. Pixels are identified in the classification maps that correspond to intensity peaks to detect objects. Object boundaries are generated in the segmentation map around the pixels to segment objects. Objects are classified using the object boundaries and the pixels to associate regions of the input image with respective classes. An action is performed responsive to the objects.