Simulated Platform for Fisheye Camera Extrinsic Parameter Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-surround-view systems rely on cumbersome offline calibrations to optimize extrinsic parameters of fisheye-lens cameras, which consume resources, require skilled personnel, and are limited by environmental and logistical constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for online optimization of extrinsic parameters of fisheye-lens cameras using a simulation platform, where a simulated vehicle is created with simulated cameras and calibration plates, allowing for the calculation and optimization of initial extrinsic parameters and the derivation of installation tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If offline calibration methods are used to optimize extrinsic parameters of fisheye-lens cameras, then the optimization accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and resource-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical calibration scenario by placing virtual checkerboard calibration plates in a simulated environment that mirrors the real vehicle and camera setup. This virtual model allows extrinsic parameter optimization to be performed in silico, reproducing the calibration process without physical constraints while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical offline calibration process with an online computational approach. Instead of physically manipulating cameras and calibration plates in controlled environments, the system uses computer vision algorithms to detect virtual calibration plates in real-time camera feeds and automatically computes extrinsic parameters, substituting mechanical procedures with digital processing.
2Measurement precision
If offline calibration processes are implemented, then extrinsic parameters can be optimized, but skilled personnel and specific environmental conditions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting virtual checkerboard plates in camera images and computing extrinsic parameters without human intervention. The calibration process is autonomous, requiring no skilled personnel to manually position physical plates or operate complex calibration equipment, as the virtual environment handles all calibration tasks automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-places virtual checkerboard calibration plates in the simulated environment before the calibration process begins. These virtual plates are positioned at known coordinates in advance, allowing the system to perform extrinsic parameter optimization immediately when camera images are captured, eliminating the need for on-site preparation and environmental setup.
3Measurement precision
If traditional offline calibration is performed, then accurate extrinsic parameters can be obtained, but strict requirements on light, environment, and climate must be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the calibration process from the physical three-dimensional world to a virtual digital dimension. By rendering calibration plates in a simulated environment and processing images through computer vision algorithms, the system eliminates dependence on physical environmental conditions such as lighting, climate, and spatial constraints, allowing calibration to occur in any real-world setting without compromising accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If offline calibration methods are used, then extrinsic parameters can be optimized, but significant time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous calibration by processing camera images in real-time as they are captured. Instead of performing discrete offline calibration sessions that require stopping vehicle operation and manual intervention, the system continuously optimizes extrinsic parameters using ongoing video feeds, maintaining accurate camera positioning without interrupting vehicle operations or consuming additional time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is provided in a simulation platform for optimizing the extrinsic parameters of fisheye-lens cameras installed on a vehicle. A simulated vehicle is established according to vehicular characteristics of associated actual vehicle over the simulated platform, thereby a lot of simulated checkerboard calibration plates are placed surrounding the simulated vehicle. A lot of simulated fisheye-lens cameras are generated and mounted on the simulated vehicle based on intrinsic parameters associated with actual fisheye lenses, and fisheye images are derived by using the simulated fisheye-lens cameras, respectively. The initially extrinsic parameters of each of the simulated fisheye-lens cameras are calculated over the simulated platform by using the first characteristic points of its own first fisheye image. Those initially extrinsic parameters may be used to optimize stitching images of the vehicle-surrounding-view systems, or be used to calculate installation tolerances when disposing fisheye-lens cameras physically.