OBJECT DETECTION APPARATUS

• US 20070217780A1
• Filed: 03/15/2007
• Published: 09/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Maxell, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
• Inventors: Nakano, Norihiko, Hirooka, Shinichiro
• Granted Patent: US 7,674,052 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 396/287
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/10016 Video; Image sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/10021 Stereoscopic video; Stereoscopic image sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/30232 Surveillance
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/55 from multiple images
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/593 from stereo images
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19606 Discriminating between target movement or movement in an area of interest and other non-signicative movements, e.g. target movements induced by camera shake or movements of pets, falling leaves, rotating fan
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19652 Systems using zones in a single scene defined for different treatment, e.g. outer zone gives pre-alarm, inner zone gives alarm

Abstract

An improved object detection apparatus using an interface with which user can set an object detection area intuitively with simple operation. Apparatus includes imaging module imaging and outputting an imaged picture, three-dimensional position detection module detecting a three-dimensional position and outputting detected position information, input module allowing user to input data for setting a detection area and processing module conversion-processing and outputting the picture. Using detection area setting data inputted by user, detection area in the three-dimensional space is decided and whether the three-dimensional position detected by the position detection module exists inside or outside the detection area is judged. Picture outputted by the imaging module is subjected to conversion processing based on judgment result and detection area is clearly indicated in the picture.

Claims

1. An object detection apparatus comprising:

an imaging module to image a subject to be imaged and output a picture signal;

a three-dimensional position detection module to detect a three-dimensional position of an object in the subject to be imaged and output three-dimensional position information;

an input module to input data for setting a detection area;

an output module to output a picture signal to a display module;

a picture processing module to carry out conversion processing to the picture signal; and

a control module to control to make the picture processing module carry out the conversion processing to the picture signal existing inside and/or outside the detection area so that the inside and the outside of the detection area can be distinguished on the basis of the three-dimensional position information outputted by the three-dimensional position detection module and the detection area setting data inputted by the input module and to output the picture signal subjected to the conversion processing from the output module so that the inside and the outside of the detection area can be distinguished.

2. An object detection apparatus comprising:

an imaging module to make imaging and output an imaged picture;

a three-dimensional position detection module to detect a three-dimensional position of an object in space and output three-dimensional position information;

a user input module to make a user input data for setting a detection area; and

a picture processing module to carry out conversion processing to the picture and output a produced picture;

and wherein

the detection area setting data is used to decide the detection area, and

whether each of three-dimensional coordinates within the three-dimensional position information exists inside or outside the detection area is judged,

the picture outputted by the imaging module being subjected to the conversion processing on the basis of judgment result to output the produced picture.

3. An object detection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

temporal change of the three-dimensional position information and information of the detection area are used to detect intrusion.

4. An object detection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

the detection area setting data is used in a camera coordinate system based on a position of the imaging module to decide the detection area.

5. An object detection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

the detection area setting data is used in a coordinate system having the origin composed of an intersection point of a vertical line passing through the imaging module and a floor plane, the Y axis composed of the vertical line and the X and Z axes passing through the origin and extending orthogonally to each other in parallel to the floor plane to decide the detection area.

6. An object detection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

the detection area setting data is used in a coordinate system having the origin composed of an intersection point of a vertical line passing through an object designated by the user and a floor plane, the Y axis composed of the vertical line and the X and Z axes passing through the origin and extending orthogonally to each other in parallel to a floor plane to decide the detection area.

7. An object detection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

a floor plane is detected, and

whether a three-dimensional position corresponding to the floor plane exists inside or outside the detection area is judged,

the picture outputted by the imaging module being subjected to the conversion processing on the basis of judgment result to output the produced picture.

8. An object detection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

one or a plurality of pieces of information of shape, size, reference position and direction of the detection area are used as the detection area setting data.

9. An object detection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

a three-dimensional position of an object designated by the user is detected and

the three-dimensional position is used for the detection area setting data.