Camera Calibration for Vehicle Windows Without Markings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera-based vehicle systems require manual recalibration in a workshop when a vehicle window is replaced, especially if the new window lacks detectable markings, leading to quality losses and additional production costs, and are prone to errors due to faulty markings.
Innovation Solution
The method automatically recognizes the type of pane, including its tint and color, and adjusts camera parameters by comparing detected brightness and color values with stored data, eliminating the need for marked windows and manual recalibration, using a color camera for electronic image processing and automatic white balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual calibration is performed in a workshop by professionals, then calibration quality is maintained, but time loss and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera-based system performs calibration automatically using its own imaging capabilities. The control unit executes calibration routines by capturing images of the environment through the pane and processing them to determine parameter settings, eliminating the need for external workshop intervention and enabling self-calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores multiple pre-defined parameter sets corresponding to different pane types in the control unit. During calibration, the system captures environmental images and compares them against stored reference data to automatically identify the correct parameter set, preparing the calibration data in advance rather than requiring manual measurement and adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If marked windows are used for calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the calibration information from physical markings on the pane and transfers it to digital form stored in the control unit. The system captures images of the environment and uses image processing to identify pane characteristics without requiring any physical markings, labels, or special features on the actual pane.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/physical marking system with an electronic/image-based identification system. Instead of using physical markings that require manual detection, the system uses electronic image capture and processing to automatically identify pane type and select appropriate parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual calibration is required, then system adaptability to different pane types is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different pane types by automatically capturing environmental images and processing them to determine the appropriate parameter set. The calibration process is made dynamic and flexible, allowing the system to adjust to any pane type without fixed procedures or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit stores multiple parameter sets with different parameter values corresponding to different pane types. The system automatically changes the camera parameters based on the identified pane type by selecting and applying the appropriate parameter set from storage, enabling rapid adaptation without manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for calibrating a camera-based system of a vehicle (F), comprising a pane (S), in particular a camera-based driver assistance system. According to the invention, a type of the pane (S), in particular the tinting thereof, is detected by way of the camera-based system.