Camera Calibration Using Apparent Scene Movement for 3D Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera calibration methods rely on dedicated calibration objects or pre-modeled objects, which are inconvenient and limited in large scenes, and do not allow for continuous calibration during normal operation.
Innovation Solution
Camera calibration based on apparent movement of image content at a scene using structure-from-motion algorithms, which analyze the natural movements of scene elements without requiring dedicated calibration objects, enabling continuous calibration during normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated calibration objects or pre-modeled objects are used for camera calibration, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but the method becomes inconvenient and limited in large scenes and does not allow for continuous calibration during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses naturally occurring scene elements (trees, buildings, vehicles, pedestrians) that are already present in the environment to perform calibration, eliminating the need for dedicated calibration objects. The scene itself serves as the calibration target, allowing continuous calibration during normal operation without requiring separate calibration sessions or special objects to be placed in the scene.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system can operate on any scene containing natural elements, making it universally applicable to various environments (urban, rural, indoor, outdoor). The same system handles both calibration and normal image processing functions, allowing the camera to be calibrated continuously during regular operation rather than requiring separate calibration procedures.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated calibration objects are used, then calibration can be performed, but it requires additional objects and setup time that are inconvenient for large scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts calibration information directly from naturally occurring scene elements rather than requiring separate calibration objects. By taking out the need for dedicated calibration targets and using existing scene content (buildings, trees, vehicles) as calibration references, the system eliminates the complexity of setting up and managing separate calibration equipment in large scenes.
3Reliability
If traditional calibration methods are used, then initial calibration can be achieved, but continuous calibration during normal operation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration continuously during normal camera operation by repeatedly analyzing scene elements in successive images or video frames. Rather than performing calibration once as a separate setup step, the useful action of calibration continues alongside normal image capture, maintaining calibration consistency without interrupting productivity or requiring separate calibration sessions.
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative camera calibration system accesses a set of images captured by one or more cameras at a scene. The set of images may each depict a same element of image content present at the scene, but may depict the element of image content differently in each image so as to show an apparent movement of the element from one image to another. The camera calibration system applies a structure-from-motion algorithm to the set of images to generate calibration parameters for the one or more cameras based on the apparent movement of the element of image content shown in the set of images. Additionally, the camera calibration system provides the calibration parameters for the one or more cameras to a 3D modeling system configured to model the scene based on the set of images. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.