3D Camera Calibration via User Actuation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D camera calibration processes are time-consuming and costly, typically performed only once before shipping, and do not account for potential errors or environmental changes, such as temperature fluctuations, which can affect accuracy over time.
Innovation Solution
Implement a real-time calibration method during the operation of the 3D camera, using actuation elements like keyboard keys or touchscreens to generate 3D information, combining this with independent distance measurements to adapt camera parameters and filter out errors, allowing for continuous recalibration and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If calibration is performed only at the end test before shipping, then manufacturing cost and time are reduced, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to environmental changes and drift effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous calibration during camera operation by capturing images of known patterns (such as calibration charts or recognizable objects) and continuously adjusting parameters to maintain accuracy, rather than performing calibration only once during manufacturing. This resolves the contradiction by making calibration an ongoing process that ensures reliability without requiring additional dedicated time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from known reference objects or patterns captured by the camera to continuously monitor and adjust calibration parameters. By comparing captured images against expected patterns and using this feedback to refine measurements, the system maintains high accuracy throughout the camera's operational life despite environmental changes.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed only once before shipping, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates over time due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images of known patterns or recognizable objects and independently adjusting its own parameters without requiring external intervention or complex calibration equipment. This maintains measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of manual calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts calibration parameters based on captured images of reference objects, adapting to environmental changes such as temperature fluctuations. By continuously updating parameters like focal length, distortion coefficients, and sensor characteristics, the system maintains precision without requiring complex recalibration processes.
3Reliability
If calibration is performed only at the end test, then production speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of ongoing calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates calibration actions during normal camera operation rather than requiring separate calibration steps in the production process. By using known patterns or objects that can be captured during regular use, the system performs calibration in advance of potential accuracy degradation, ensuring reliability without slowing down production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges calibration operations with normal camera functionality, combining tasks such as object recognition, measurement, and calibration into a unified process. This allows calibration to occur during regular operation without requiring separate dedicated time, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
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 reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies the calibration process, and ensures ongoing accuracy by allowing real-time adjustments, compensating for environmental factors and drift effects, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of 3D camera operations.
Implementation Method 1
Such information may for example be based on a time of flight of light reflected from an object captured by the pixels
Implementation Method 2
light reflected from an object captured by the pixels
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a 3D camera includes determining an actuation of an element by a person and calibrating the 3D camera based on the determining of the actuation.