Vehicle Camera Calibration Using Motion-Triggered 3D Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles require frequent camera calibration to maintain accurate recognition of distance and position relative to surroundings, as camera parameters change during operation, but existing methods are inadequate for real-time adaptation.

Innovation Solution

A camera calibration apparatus and method that includes a camera, an event trigger module, a motion estimation module, a three-dimensional reconstruction module, and a parameter estimation module to estimate external camera parameters by analyzing feature points and triangulating three-dimensional coordinates from forward images, enabling real-time calibration and control of the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If camera calibration is performed frequently to maintain accurate distance and position recognition, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated calibration operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance and position recognition accuracyVSAvoidcalibration operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system transitions from static periodic calibration to dynamic event-triggered calibration. The event trigger module monitors motion parameters in real-time and activates calibration only when motion exceeds predefined thresholds, making the calibration process adaptive to actual operational conditions rather than following a fixed schedule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the calibration trigger parameter from time-based to motion-based. By monitoring motion parameters and comparing them against thresholds, the system determines when calibration is necessary, thereby reducing unnecessary calibration operations while maintaining measurement precision when actually needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If real-time camera calibration is implemented to adapt to changing camera parameters during vehicle operation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional modules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time calibration capabilityVSAvoidcalibration system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system uses the vehicle's own motion information, already available from other vehicle systems, to trigger and guide the calibration process. The motion estimation module provides motion parameters that the calibration module uses to determine when and how to perform calibration, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration apparatus leverages existing vehicle components and data streams (cameras, motion sensors) to perform calibration functions. By using already-acquired motion information and image data from standard vehicle equipment, the system achieves real-time calibration capability without adding dedicated complex calibration hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If motion-based event triggering is used to determine calibration timing, then productivity is improved by reducing unnecessary calibration operations, but measurement precision may deteriorate if motion thresholds are not properly detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration operation efficiencyVSAvoidmotion parameter detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback through threshold comparison of motion parameters. The event trigger module continuously monitors motion parameters, compares them against predefined thresholds, and provides feedback signals to activate or deactivate calibration operations, ensuring that calibration is triggered only when motion conditions warrant it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables accurate and continuous estimation of external camera parameters, improving the safety and navigation of autonomous vehicles by ensuring precise distance recognition and control, reducing the risk of collisions.

Implementation Method 1

a camera configured to acquire a first forward image from a first viewpoint and a second forward image from a second viewpoint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11783507B2Camera calibration apparatus and operating method

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera calibration includes; a camera configured to acquire a first forward image from a first viewpoint and a second forward image from a second viewpoint; an event trigger module configured to determine whether to perform camera calibration; a motion estimation module configured to acquire information related to motion of a host vehicle; a three-dimensional reconstruction module configured to acquire three-dimensional coordinate values based on the first forward image and the second forward image; and a parameter estimation module configured to estimate an external parameter of the camera based on the three-dimensional coordinate values.