Concentric Circle Camera Calibration Plate for Wide-Angle Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wide-angle camera calibration methods using existing technologies, such as OpenCV, result in inaccurate initial camera parameter values due to random initialization, leading to significant image distortion and reduced accuracy in camera parameter calibration.

Innovation Solution

A camera calibration plate with concentric circles and a corresponding method that involves capturing a calibration image, extracting elliptical patterns, grouping ellipses, calculating parameter information, and iteratively optimizing camera parameters using algorithms like the Levenberg-Marquardt method to improve the accuracy of camera calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If random initialization is used for camera parameters in wide-angle camera calibration, then the calibration process can be initiated, but the accuracy of camera parameter values is poor leading to significant image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of camera parameter calibrationVSAvoidimage distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using a predetermined concentric circle pattern on the calibration plate before actual calibration. The concentric circles provide pre-established geometric references that guide the optimization algorithm to converge to accurate camera parameters more reliably, eliminating the need for random initialization and reducing image distortion in the calibration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If existing calibration technologies like OpenCV are used, then the calibration process is simple to implement, but the accuracy of initial camera parameter values is inaccurate leading to reduced calibration precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of calibration implementationVSAvoidaccuracy of initial camera parameter values
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter representation by using concentric circle patterns with defined radii and center points instead of traditional checkerboard patterns. This parameter change enables more accurate extraction of geometric features, leading to higher precision in initial camera parameter estimation while maintaining implementation simplicity through standard image processing techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If conventional calibration patterns are used, then the calibration process can proceed, but the accuracy of camera parameter determination is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of camera parameter determinationVSAvoidcalibration plate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by using concentric circular patterns instead of linear or angular patterns. The curved circular shapes provide better geometric constraints for camera calibration, enabling more accurate determination of intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. The circular symmetry simplifies mathematical modeling while improving measurement precision compared to conventional flat patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11461930B2Camera calibration plate, camera calibration method and device, and image acquisition system
Publication Date: 2022.10.04 BEIJING BOE TECH DEV CO LTD
  • US11461930B2 patent drawing
  • US11461930B2 patent drawing
  • US11461930B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A camera calibration plate, a camera calibration method and device, and an image acquisition system are described. The camera calibration plate includes a planar plate body, and a plurality of groups of concentric circles on the planar plate body. The plurality of groups of concentric circles are same and include solid circle center points. The plurality of groups of concentric circles are distributed in an array.