Calibration Device Optics With Autocollimator Angle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera calibration methods lack the accuracy needed for precise determination of optical properties, which are crucial for camera calibration in driver assistance and automated driving systems.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a laser, diffractive optical element, and autocollimator to determine optical properties by calculating angles and diffraction angles, with tactile measurements for enhanced accuracy, and a calibration device comprising these components for precise camera calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional camera calibration methods are used, then the calibration process can be completed, but the accuracy of optical property determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an autocollimator as an intermediary device to measure the incidence angle of the laser beam on the diffractive optical element. This intermediary measurement enables precise determination of optical properties without requiring direct complex measurement of all calibration parameters, thus improving accuracy while managing device complexity through targeted measurement of critical angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an optical measurement approach using an autocollimator. Instead of mechanically measuring all alignment parameters, the system uses optical angle measurement to determine the laser incidence angle, which then enables calculation of all necessary calibration parameters through mathematical relationships, thereby improving precision while simplifying the physical measurement process.
2Measurement precision
If more measurement parameters are determined to increase accuracy, then calibration precision improves, but the complexity of the calibration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the laser incidence angle on the diffractive optical element using the autocollimator. This preliminary measurement is crucial because it enables subsequent calculation of all other necessary calibration parameters (diffraction angles, camera optical properties) through established optical relationships. By obtaining this key parameter first, the system simplifies the overall measurement process while maintaining high calibration precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the autocollimator to measure the actual laser incidence angle and uses this feedback information to calculate and adjust the calibration parameters. The measured incidence angle serves as feedback that enables precise determination of diffraction angles and camera optical properties, creating a feedback loop that improves calibration accuracy while keeping the measurement process manageable through targeted angle measurement.
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
The method and device significantly increase the accuracy of camera calibration by enabling precise determination of optical properties, allowing for high-precision camera alignment and correction of deviations.
Implementation Method 1
A collimated light beam is diffracted in different directions by guiding it through a diffraction grating. The diffracted light exiting the grating is then refocused by the calibrated optical system
Implementation Method 2
an autocollimator is provided, which receives a reflection of the autocollimator light and of a laser beam from the diffractive optical element
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining optical properties of a calibration device with respect to cameras to be calibrated. The calibration device includes a laser, directed toward the camera, a diffractive optical element, positioned between the camera and the laser, an autocollimator which receives a reflection of the autocollimator light and of a laser beam from the diffractive optical element via a beam splitter. The method includes determining, using the autocollimator, an autocollimator light incidence angle on the diffractive optical element; determining, using the autocollimator, a difference angle between the autocollimator light and a reflection of the laser beam from the diffractive optical element; calculating a laser incidence angle on the diffractive optical element from the difference angle and the autocollimator light incidence angle on the diffractive optical element, and calculating diffraction angles of the laser beam at the diffractive optical element using the laser incidence angle.