Camera Auto-Calibration Using Gyroscope Motion Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera calibration methods require a known target, user intervention, and are typically performed only once during manufacturing, failing to account for environmental changes and providing continuous calibration, leading to potential inaccuracies and the need for additional equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method using a gyroscope to measure camera movement between consecutive image frames, allowing for automatic calibration without a known target, by calculating calibration parameters based on the difference between predicted and actual locations of points in the images, and applying these parameters to process raw image data to correct distortions and improve image accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If camera calibration is performed during manufacturing, then initial calibration is achieved, but the calibration cannot be updated later and does not account for environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs self-calibration by automatically comparing predicted point locations (based on gyroscope data) with actual detected point locations in images, and adjusting calibration parameters without external intervention or specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the difference between predicted and actual point locations to iteratively adjust calibration parameters, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves calibration accuracy based on real-world performance
2Ease of operation
If conventional calibration methods are used, then calibration is performed with manufacturer equipment, but it requires additional equipment and user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs self-calibration by automatically comparing predicted point locations (based on gyroscope data) with actual detected point locations in images, and adjusting calibration parameters without external intervention or specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The gyroscope serves as an intermediary device that provides motion data to predict point locations, enabling calibration without requiring specialized calibration equipment or targets
3Manufacturing precision
If single-time calibration is performed, then manufacturing process is simplified, but calibration accuracy degrades due to environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration parameters are made dynamic rather than static, allowing them to be updated continuously based on real-world performance and environmental conditions, transforming calibration from a one-time manufacturing step to an ongoing adaptive process
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs continuous calibration updates by constantly comparing predicted and actual point locations and adjusting parameters in real-time, ensuring calibration accuracy is maintained throughout the camera's operational life rather than just at manufacturing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous, automatic camera calibration in various devices, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity, improving image accuracy by accounting for environmental changes and eliminating the need for user intervention and specialized equipment, while providing high-quality calibration parameters for computer vision and machine vision applications.
Implementation Method 1
receiving in the processor from a gyroscope a measurement of rotational velocity of the camera corresponding to a time between the first and second image frames
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include devices and methods for automatically calibrating a camera. In various embodiments, an image sensor may capture an image. Locations of one or more points including in the captured image frames may be predicted and detected. Calibration parameters may be calculated based on differences between predicted locations of a selected point within an image frame and observed locations of the selected point within the captured image frame. The automatic camera calibration method may be repeated until the calibration parameters satisfy a calibration quality threshold.