Vehicle Camera Calibration Using Suspension Level Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assist camera systems face inaccuracies in calibrating camera height due to load and ride height changes, leading to misalignment of composite images and poor graphical data overlay, especially when camera rotations or deflections occur, resulting in infrequent and unreliable calibration updates.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses suspension level information from a vehicle's suspension system to determine camera pose parameters, allowing for frequent and accurate calibration of camera images, which can be updated through the vehicle's communication network, correlating suspension and video analysis data to correct initial pose parameter values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If camera height is measured during manufacture calibration stage, then the measurement is simple to carry out, but the height measurement becomes inaccurate with load, ride height changes and other variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static calibration approach (fixed at manufacture) to a dynamic calibration approach that continuously updates camera pose parameters based on real-time suspension level data. The suspension level sensor provides ongoing feedback about vehicle load changes, allowing the calibration system to adapt and maintain accuracy throughout the vehicle's operational life rather than degrading over time.
2Reliability
If camera height is updated from images taken by the camera, then the calibration can be updated in service, but the processing of the images to determine the height of the camera may take some time, and the height of the camera tends to be updated infrequently
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces suspension level sensors as an intermediary measurement device that indirectly provides camera height information without requiring complex image processing. Instead of analyzing images to determine camera position, the system uses the suspension sensor data as a direct proxy for camera height changes, dramatically reducing processing time and enabling frequent calibration updates.
3Measurement precision
If techniques to analyse the position of a ground plane from images are used, then camera height can be determined, but these techniques may work poorly on some surfaces and rotations or deflections of the camera caused by load or handling variations are not always considered
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension level sensor provides a universal measurement approach that works independently of ground surface conditions, camera orientation, or vehicle load distribution. Unlike ground plane analysis that requires specific surface characteristics and proper camera alignment, the suspension sensor universally measures vertical displacement regardless of external conditions, making the calibration system adaptable to all operating scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for calibrating an image from a camera mounted on a vehicle using camera pose parameter determined from information relating to suspension level from a suspension system of the vehicle. The difference in the suspension level compared with a suspension level datum can be determined and an adjustment to the camera pose parameter values can be obtained from the difference in the suspension level.