Camera Calibration Using Active Laser Projection on Two Planes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera calibration methods require additional tools like calibration boards, LiDAR, IMU, or multiple cameras, making them unsuitable for frequent recalibration in dynamic outdoor environments, and are costly and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A method using active laser projection with six or more laser emitters to project on two planes, calculating three-dimensional coordinates of laser light spots using a pinhole imaging principle, and obtaining multiple degrees of freedom without requiring calibration boards or additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration boards or auxiliary measurement tools (LiDAR, IMU) are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from complex external tools (calibration boards, LiDAR, IMU) and implements it using only the camera and laser emitters. The laser emitters project patterns that the camera captures, allowing calibration to be performed with minimal external equipment while maintaining accuracy through mathematical computation of laser spot positions and plane geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both imaging and self-calibration functions. The same camera used for capturing images also captures laser projection patterns for calibration, eliminating the need for separate calibration tools and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used for multi-view calculations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration problem is segmented into independent mathematical computations that can be performed with a single camera. Instead of requiring multiple cameras for multi-view geometry, the method segments the calibration into laser spot detection, plane equation calculation, and camera parameter computation, all achievable with one camera viewing projected laser patterns on surfaces.
3Measurement precision
If calibration boards are used, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to dynamic environments worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration method transitions from static calibration boards to dynamic laser projections. The laser emitters can project patterns onto moving or irregular surfaces in real-time, allowing calibration in dynamic outdoor environments. The system adapts to different scene geometries by projecting laser patterns onto available surfaces rather than requiring fixed calibration boards.
Solution Approach 2:
Laser projections serve as an intermediary between the camera and the environment for calibration purposes. Instead of directly using calibration boards or relying on complex multi-camera setups, the laser projections mediate the calibration process by creating visible reference patterns on arbitrary surfaces that the camera can capture and use for computation.
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
Achieves low-cost, easy-to-use, and highly accurate camera calibration suitable for vehicle imaging systems and outdoor monitoring, with high environmental adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
providing a camera calibration system, which includes a camera and a plurality of laser emitters; operating the camera calibration system to cause the laser emitters to project corresponding plurality of laser light spots on two planes
Implementation Method 2
calculating three-dimensional coordinates of the laser light spots using a pinhole imaging principle according to known intrinsic parameters of the camera and the image coordinates of the laser light spots
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of camera calibration using active laser projection, which includes: providing a camera calibration system, which includes a camera and a plurality of laser emitters; operating the camera calibration system to cause the laser emitters to project corresponding plurality of laser light spots on two planes; obtaining image coordinates of the laser light spots through image processing; and calculating three-dimensional coordinates of the laser light spots using a pinhole imaging principle according to known intrinsic parameters of the camera and the image coordinates of the laser light spots to obtain multiple degrees of freedom of the camera accordingly.