360 Camera Calibration Using Reference Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibrating multiple cameras to achieve a seamless 360-degree panoramic view is challenging due to misalignment issues such as pitch, roll, yaw, shift, and zoom differences, which existing methods fail to address effectively, leading to distorted and mismatched images.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize reference strips and calibration software to correct for image distortions and misalignments by straightening and matching imaged reference strips across cameras, involving steps like placing cameras at specific locations, adjusting height, capturing image data, and analyzing it to correct for pitch, roll, yaw, shift, and zoom discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to create a 360-degree panoramic view, then the coverage area is improved, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to pitch, roll, yaw, shift, and zoom differences between cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference strips as intermediary objects that are imaged by multiple cameras to establish precise alignment relationships. These reference strips serve as mediators that enable the system to measure and correct misalignments between cameras, resolving the contradiction between wide coverage and precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with automated image processing and computational methods. By capturing images of reference strips and using software to calculate transformation parameters, the system substitutes complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with digital processing, achieving higher precision while maintaining multi-camera coverage.
2Device complexity
If manual calibration methods are used to align cameras, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to effectively correct misalignments
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is self-calibrating through automated image processing. The software automatically detects reference strips in captured images, calculates misalignment parameters, and generates correction data without requiring complex external calibration equipment or manual intervention, thus maintaining low device complexity while achieving high calibration precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the calibration approach from physical mechanical adjustment to digital parameter transformation. By capturing images of reference strips and computing transformation parameters (translation, rotation, zoom), the system achieves precise calibration through software-based parameter changes rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If existing calibration methods are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates due to distorted and mismatched images in the panoramic view
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from captured images of reference strips to automatically adjust calibration parameters. By analyzing the imaged reference strips and comparing them across multiple cameras, the system generates feedback that drives the calibration process, ensuring reliable image integration while maintaining ease of operation through automated correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration actions by capturing images of reference strips before final panoramic image generation. This preliminary imaging and analysis step establishes the transformation parameters needed for accurate image integration, ensuring reliability while keeping the overall process easy to operate through automated workflows.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for calibrating a 360 degree camera system include imaging reference strips, analyzing the imaged data to correct for pitch, roll, and yaw of cameras of the 360 degree camera system, and analyzing the image data to correct for zoom and shifting of the cameras. Each of the reference strips may include a bullseye component and a dots component to aid in the analyzing and correcting.