Dynamic Optical Medium Calibration for Image Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image capture devices face calibration challenges due to changes in optical element characteristics and environmental conditions, leading to poor performance in features like electronic image stabilization, leveling, and stitching, as traditional calibration parameters do not account for these changes.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic optical medium calibration system that obtains rotational position and image information to determine modified calibration parameters, enabling prediction of pixel position changes and adjusting the image capture device's operation accordingly, using a combination of position sensors, image sensors, and processors to facilitate real-time calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional fixed calibration parameters are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but calibration accuracy deteriorates when optical characteristics change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic calibration parameters that automatically adjust based on detected optical medium conditions. The system transitions from fixed calibration values to dynamically modified parameters that adapt to changing environmental conditions, optical element states, and device orientations, thereby maintaining calibration accuracy without requiring manual recalibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where pixel position data from captured images is continuously analyzed. The actual pixel positions are compared against predicted positions based on current calibration parameters, and this feedback loop enables automatic detection of calibration drift and triggers parameter adjustments to maintain accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If dynamic calibration parameters are implemented, then calibration accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel position prediction accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores calibration parameters for various known conditions (different optical media, orientations, and environmental states). When operation begins, the system selects from these pre-computed parameters based on detected conditions, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies existing calibration parameters based on detected changes in optical characteristics, environmental conditions, and device orientation. Rather than implementing entirely new complex algorithms, the system adjusts known good parameters proportionally to measured deviations, reducing computational burden while improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If calibration parameters are adjusted for environmental changes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal calibration system that handles multiple different conditions (various optical media, environmental states, and device orientations) using a single integrated approach. The same dynamic parameter adjustment mechanism works across all conditions, eliminating the need for separate calibration systems for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting changes in its operating conditions and adjusting its parameters accordingly. The device monitors its own state through pixel position analysis and autonomously modifies calibration parameters without external intervention, making the system adaptable while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11670004B2Systems and methods for dynamic optical medium calibration
Publication Date: 2023.06.06 GOPRO INC
  • US11670004B2 patent drawing
  • US11670004B2 patent drawing
  • US11670004B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image capture device may be calibrated using calibration parameters. Optical medium through which the image capture device captures images may be changed. The calibration parameters of the image capture device may be dynamically modified to account for the change in the optical medium. The image capture device may be operated in accordance with the modified calibration parameters to capture images through the optical medium.