Conic Section Calibration Object for Image Capturing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional calibration objects for image capturing devices suffer from a shading effect when rotated, making it difficult to accurately calibrate the inner and outer parameters, especially when multiple devices are used together.
Innovation Solution
A conic section calibration object is introduced, utilizing a polar/spherical coordination system with calibration points on its surface, which includes conical, semi-circular, and cylindrical shapes to avoid shading effects, allowing for precise calibration of image capturing devices by projecting images of all possible calibration points effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two dimensional calibration object is used, then the calibration process is simplified and only requires a pattern printed on a surface, but the calibration points information cannot be observed when rotated to a certain angle due to shading effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat calibration pattern to a three-dimensional conic section calibration object. The calibration points are arranged on the surface of a conic section (sphere, ellipsoid, paraboloid, or hyperboloid), which adds a dimensional element that eliminates the shading problem. When rotated, the curved surface ensures all calibration points remain visible from any angle, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and information visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved surfaces (spherical, ellipsoidal, paraboloidal, or hyperboloidal) for the calibration object instead of a flat plane. This curvature ensures that no point on the surface is obscured by shading during rotation, as the rounded geometry allows light to reflect from all points toward the camera. This directly addresses the visibility issue while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard geometric forms.
2Measurement precision
If a three dimensional calibration object with flat surfaces is used, then precise calibration results can be achieved, but a precise mechanical shift platform is required making it difficult to apply to large range monitoring devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flat surfaces with curved conic section surfaces. This curvature inherently provides the necessary geometric diversity for precise calibration without requiring complex mechanical positioning. The curved surface ensures that calibration points are visible from multiple angles and positions, eliminating the need for precise mechanical shift platforms while maintaining calibration accuracy for large range monitoring devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The conic section calibration object is designed to be rotatable and observable from multiple positions. The dynamic capability of observing calibration points from various angles and positions around the curved surface replaces the need for precise mechanical positioning systems. This dynamic observation approach achieves the same calibration precision as rigid flat-surface methods without the mechanical complexity.
3Device complexity
If a one dimensional calibration object is used, then the structure is simple, but one end must be fixed while moving the other end to generate multiple calibration images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates the calibration object from one-dimensional (linear rod) to three-dimensional (conic section surface). This dimensional increase allows calibration points to be distributed across a curved surface, making the entire object observable from multiple positions without fixing one end. The object can be freely rotated and observed from any angle, greatly simplifying the operation while maintaining structural simplicity through standard geometric forms.
Data Source
AI summary
A concentric circle adjusting apparatus for a multiple image capturing device is disclosed, where a first and second correction angles for correcting a first and second image capturing devices are respectively calculated by a control device according to a link length of a standard link, a first angle, a second angle, a first distance, and a second distance, respectively, so that a first and second platforms are controlled according to the first and second control commands to rotate the first and second image capturing device by the first and second correction angles, respectively, whereby the efficacy of an increased visible range and a rapid calibration may be achieved.