FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of asset tracking and, more particularly, to monitoring asset location with a computer vision system.

BACKGROUND

Computer vision is a term that can be used to describe hardware and software technology utilized in object and/or pattern recognition. To expedite processing times and decrease operation costs, many computer vision systems have been automated for particular applications. For example, some computer visions systems include software-implemented character recognition features for extracting and converting printed text to a digital format. Other computer vision systems have been developed to automatically inspect industrial products for defects. Yet other computer vision systems have been developed to recognize human faces.

Various approaches have been applied to improve object tracking using computer vision in which patterns and features are analyzed to detect movement of objects. However, distinguishing among objects for individual object tracking can be particularly challenging when the view of object of interest is obstructed, or when similarly-shaped objects are in the field of view. Accordingly, there is a need for improved accuracy in asset tracking using computer vision systems. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to this and other considerations.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The disclosed technology includes image-based systems and methods for tracking assets (such as vehicles) within an asset area (such as a car dealership lot). Certain example implementations of the disclosed technology utilize one or more image capture devices positioned to view respective portions of the asset area. An ingress detector positioned, for example, at an entrance to the asset area may provide an indication that an object has entered the asset area, and the position of the asset may then be monitored by a computer vision system based on image data received from the one or more image capture devices. In certain example implementations, the ingress detector may be used to identify the asset if it has previously been identified and marked with a readable identifier, such as a barcode, RFID tag, etc. Certain example implementations of the disclosed technology may include a registration station that may identify and tag new assets entering the asset area.

In an example implementation, one or more processors associated with the computer vision system may receive the ingress indication either from the ingress detector or from the registration station and classify the object using one or more of: image data received from the one or more image capture devices and an identification signal detected by the ingress detector. In accordance with certain example implementations of the disclosed technology, the system may track the object location and may output an indication of the object location. The classification and/or recognition of the object may be based on one or more images to enhance the object tracking, for example, so that a particular object can be accurately tracked when other similarly-shaped objects are moved or present, and/or when similarly-shaped objects temporarily or partially obscure the view of the tracked object.

Other implementations, features, and aspects of the disclosed technology are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosed technology. Other implementations, features, and aspects can be understood with reference to the following detailed description, accompanying drawings, and claims.

