Onboard Aircraft Camera Calibration Using Randomized Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing onboard camera systems for aircraft require significant calibration, which is typically done in a laboratory setting and is time-consuming, leading to aircraft downtime and high labor and costs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for onboard camera calibration using interface circuitry, machine-readable instructions, and programmable circuitry to generate randomized images and determine camera parameters based on relationships between captured images and stored images, allowing for calibration during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera calibration is performed in a laboratory setting, then calibration accuracy can be ensured, but it requires significant downtime and increases operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration actions during normal aircraft operation rather than requiring separate calibration events. The calibration process is integrated into the operational workflow, allowing camera parameters to be updated continuously or periodically without interrupting aircraft missions.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process continues during aircraft flight operations rather than requiring the aircraft to be grounded. The system maintains calibration accuracy by continuously updating camera parameters based on images captured during normal operational conditions, eliminating downtime between calibration events.
2Reliability
If traditional laboratory calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed with established procedures, but it increases labor requirements and operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft system performs its own calibration using images captured during normal operations. The system automatically processes images, extracts features, and updates camera parameters without requiring external laboratory equipment or specialized calibration personnel, thereby reducing labor costs and increasing operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical laboratory calibration equipment and manual calibration procedures with computational methods. The system uses image processing algorithms and computer vision techniques to automatically determine and update camera parameters, eliminating the need for physical calibration artifacts and manual measurement processes.
3Measurement precision
If camera calibration is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then calibration reliability is improved, but it increases the frequency of downtime and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration at appropriate intervals during aircraft operations rather than requiring continuous calibration. The calibration frequency is optimized based on operational conditions, allowing the aircraft to maintain accuracy without unnecessary calibration events that would reduce productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors camera performance and uses feedback from captured images to determine when calibration is needed. By analyzing the quality and consistency of images during operation, the system can dynamically adjust calibration timing to maintain accuracy while minimizing interruptions to aircraft operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for onboard camera calibration are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus for use with an aircraft includes interface circuitry communicatively coupled to a camera of the aircraft, the camera to capture an image, machine readable instructions, and programmable circuitry to at least one of instantiate or execute the machine readable instructions to generate randomized images from images stored in a data storage carried by the aircraft, determine at least one relationship between an image captured by the camera while the aircraft is in flight and the randomized images, and determine a parameter of the camera based on the at least one relationship to calibrate the camera.