Vehicle Camera Calibration Using Lane Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle camera calibration methods require manual calibration using reference patterns, which is time-consuming, costly, and impractical for frequent recalibration due to installation errors caused by physical forces during vehicle operation.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle camera calibration apparatus and method that automatically calibrates camera external parameters by detecting lane features from images captured by multiple cameras, allowing for real-time correction of camera positions and orientations without the need to stop the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration using reference patterns is used, then precise camera information can be acquired, but it is time-consuming, costly, and requires stopping the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera calibration precisionVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the vehicle's own movement through the environment and naturally occurring lane markings as the reference, eliminating the need for external calibration patterns. The camera calibrates itself by detecting lane lines and computing external parameters from the vehicle's motion data and detected lane geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system uses the same camera that captures road scenes for calibration purposes, eliminating the need for separate calibration equipment. The camera performs both its primary function of capturing road images and the secondary function of self-calibration using lane detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If manual calibration using reference patterns is used, then precise camera information can be acquired, but it requires securing a large space around the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera calibration precisionVSAvoidcalibration operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the vehicle's own movement through the environment and naturally occurring lane markings as the reference, eliminating the need for external calibration patterns. The camera calibrates itself by detecting lane lines and computing external parameters from the vehicle's motion data and detected lane geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Lane markings on the road serve as an intermediary reference that is already present in the environment. Instead of requiring the operator to set up calibration patterns, the system uses existing road infrastructure (lane lines) as the calibration reference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If frequent recalibration is performed to correct installation errors, then image integration accuracy is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage integration accuracyVSAvoidvehicle operational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration process is made continuous and can be performed during normal vehicle operation. The system continuously detects lane markings and updates calibration parameters without requiring the vehicle to stop, maintaining both accuracy and operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the vehicle's own movement through the environment and naturally occurring lane markings as the reference, eliminating the need for external calibration patterns. The camera calibrates itself by detecting lane lines and computing external parameters from the vehicle's motion data and detected lane geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11398051B2Vehicle camera calibration apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 NC & CO

AI summary

A vehicle camera calibration apparatus and method are provided. The vehicle camera calibration apparatus includes a camera module configured to acquire an image representing a road from a plurality of cameras installed in a vehicle, an input/output module configured to receive, as an input, the acquired image from the camera module, or output a corrected image, a lane detection module configured to detect a lane and extract a feature point of the lane from an image received from the input/output module, and a camera correction module configured to estimate a new external parameter using a lane equation and a lane width based on initial camera information and external parameter information in the image received from the input/output module, and to correct the image.