Vehicle Camera Calibration Using Synthetic Image Validity Judgment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing calibration processes for in-vehicle cameras lack a valid criterion for determining proper installation parameters, leading to potential generation of unsuitable synthetic images showing the vehicle's periphery, affecting image quality.
Innovation Solution
A parameter determining device and system that acquires camera images, identifies installation parameters, generates synthetic images, and compares them with reference images to judge parameter validity, using an external camera to capture actual images of the vehicle's periphery and adjusting brightness for accurate comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional calibration process is used without validity criterion, then installation parameters can be determined, but the quality of synthetic image cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a validity judgment mechanism that provides feedback on the quality of synthetic images generated from calibration parameters. The system compares generated synthetic images with reference images and automatically determines whether calibration is successful, enabling iterative improvement and ensuring reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reference images as copies of the actual vehicle periphery to compare against generated synthetic images. This copying approach allows objective evaluation of calibration quality by measuring the similarity between the reference copy and the generated synthetic image, providing a straightforward validity criterion.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed for each camera individually, then installation parameters can be determined for each camera, but the overall image synthesis quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the individual camera calibration results into a unified synthetic image that represents the complete vehicle periphery. By combining the calibrated parameters from multiple cameras and evaluating them as a whole system against reference images, the patent ensures that individual accuracy contributes to overall reliability of the synthetic image quality.
3Measurement precision
If manual validation of calibration is required, then parameter accuracy can be verified, but the process becomes time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service calibration validation where the system automatically evaluates its own calibration quality by comparing generated synthetic images with reference images. This automated self-validation eliminates the need for manual verification while maintaining high measurement precision, significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and verification processes with automated image processing and comparison algorithms. By substituting mechanical manual validation with computational methods, the system achieves both high accuracy and efficiency in calibration verification.
Data Source
AI summary
A parameter determining device configured to be installed in a vehicle includes an image acquirer, a parameter identifier, a synthetic image generator, and a validity judger. The image acquirer acquires camera images captured by cameras provided on the vehicle. The parameter identifier identifies installation parameters of the cameras based on the acquired camera images. The synthetic image generator generates a synthetic image showing a periphery of the vehicle viewed from a prescribed virtual viewpoint based on the acquired camera images and the identified installation parameters. The validity judger compares the synthetic image with a reference image showing the periphery of the vehicle viewed from a prescribed position to judge whether the identified installation parameters have validity.