Vehicle Camera Calibration Using a Universal Target Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle camera calibration systems are inefficient due to the need for multiple target panels, time-consuming setup, and high computational complexity, especially when dealing with various vehicle makes and models, which requires significant workshop space and resources.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a base unit, support structure, and a vehicle calibration assistance structure with a target panel displaying customizable graphical features, aided by a positioning device and processing system to precisely align the vehicle camera, allowing for a single target panel to be used across different vehicles by generating images based on vehicle-specific data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple target panels are used for different vehicle makes and models, then calibration precision is improved, but device complexity and workshop space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal target panel system that can be used across different vehicle makes and models. The single target panel contains multiple graphical features that can be selectively activated or configured based on the specific vehicle type, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated target panels while maintaining calibration precision for various sensor types and vehicle configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters of the graphical features displayed on the target panel based on the vehicle make and model being calibrated. By dynamically adjusting which graphical features are displayed and their configurations, the system adapts to different calibration requirements without requiring physical changes to the target panel itself, thus reducing complexity while preserving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple target panels are stored in the workshop, then adaptability to different vehicles is improved, but workshop space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle compatibilityVSAvoidworkshop space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a single universal target panel that replaces multiple vehicle-specific panels. This universal panel contains all necessary graphical features in a configurable arrangement, allowing it to serve any vehicle make or model. The workshop only needs to store one target panel instead of multiple specialized ones, dramatically reducing space requirements while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of physically storing multiple different target panels, the system uses a single physical panel that can display different graphical configurations through electronic control. The various vehicle-specific graphical features are essentially 'copied' or projected onto the single universal panel as needed, eliminating the need for physical duplicates and reducing storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If image deformation processing is performed for each vehicle position, then calibration precision is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidprocessing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores the relationship between vehicle positions and the corresponding graphical feature configurations. Instead of performing complex real-time image deformation processing during calibration, the system has already prepared the appropriate graphical arrangements in advance based on predetermined vehicle positions and characteristics. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces computational complexity during actual calibration operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pre-determined parameter sets that correspond to different vehicle positions and types. Rather than performing complex computational transformations in real-time, the system simply selects and applies the appropriate pre-configured parameter set, changing display parameters rather than performing heavy image processing. This approach maintains positioning precision while dramatically reducing computational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3742192B1System for calibrating a vehicle camera
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 NEXION SPA
  • EP3742192B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1A
  • EP3742192B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3742192B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system (1) for adjusting a sensor of a vehicle (9) comprises: a base unit (2); a support structure (3) connected to the base unit (2); a vehicle calibration assistance structure (4) mounted on the support structure (3) and including a target panel (40), which has a surface facing forward towards a service area (8), where the surface of the target panel (40) bears a combination of predetermined graphical features, the vehicle (9) being positioned in the service area (8); a processing system which is operatively connected to the vehicle calibration assistance structure (4); a positioning device (5), configured to aid with the relative positioning between the vehicle (9) and the vehicle calibration assistance structure (4). I