Camera Calibration Target Net for Precise Mobile Machine Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera calibration methods for mobile machines lack an efficient and precise tool for aligning cameras with predetermined target locations, which is crucial for accurate imaging and perception systems.

Innovation Solution

A camera calibration tool comprising calibration targets with identifiable indicia and a net with location markers, which defines predetermined target locations in a predetermined layout, allowing for precise camera calibration by positioning the targets at these locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional manual calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed without specialized equipment, but calibration precision and efficiency deteriorate due to difficulty in aligning cameras with predetermined target locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera calibration precisionVSAvoidcalibration tool complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The net serves as an intermediary tool between the camera system and the calibration targets. It provides a structured framework with location markers that mediate the alignment process, making it easier to position targets at precise predetermined locations while maintaining camera calibration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The net is pre-configured with location markers at predetermined target locations before the calibration process begins. This preliminary arrangement of calibration targets at exact positions eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment adjustments, thereby improving calibration precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If complex calibration equipment is used to improve alignment precision, then camera calibration accuracy improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated setup procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget location alignment precisionVSAvoidcalibration setup ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system is segmented into distinct functional components: the net structure with location markers for positioning, and calibration targets with identifiable indicia for detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the net provides structural guidance for easy positioning, while targets provide clear visual cues for precise alignment, improving both precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The net is pre-configured with location markers at predetermined target locations before the calibration process begins. This preliminary arrangement of calibration targets at exact positions eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment adjustments, thereby improving calibration precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple calibration targets are positioned at various locations, then calibration accuracy improves, but time consumption increases due to manual positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera calibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The net is pre-configured with location markers at predetermined target locations before the calibration process begins. This preliminary arrangement of calibration targets at exact positions eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment adjustments, thereby improving calibration precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The net with location markers serves as a self-aligning framework that automatically guides the positioning of multiple calibration targets at correct locations. The identifiable indicia on targets work with the camera system to automatically verify positioning, reducing manual adjustment time and enabling faster deployment of multiple targets across the calibration area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12278945B2Camera calibration tool

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A camera calibration tool for calibrating one or more cameras of a mobile machine comprising calibration targets and a net. Each of the calibration targets comprises identifiable indicia. The net is adapted to be coupled to the mobile machine. The net has one or more configurations that define predetermined target locations, with location markers, in a predetermined layout. The calibration targets are positioned respectively at the predetermined target locations in the predetermined layout to calibrate the one or more cameras by use of the calibration targets.