Portable Forward-Facing Camera Calibration System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for calibrating forward-facing cameras in vehicles require extensive, controlled environments and multiple targets and stands, leading to increased costs and time due to the need for specialized facilities and equipment, which is not feasible for many collision and windshield replacement facilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable calibration system with an adaptable electronic calibration target display and processor that adjusts the size and position of calibration targets to be displayed on a presentation screen, allowing for calibration in a less controlled environment and reducing the need for multiple targets and specialized facilities by miniaturizing the calibration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods with multiple physical targets and stands are used, then calibration precision is maintained, but facility space requirements and equipment costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical calibration targets with a digital calibration target displayed on an electronic presentation screen. The processor generates and displays a calibration target image that can be viewed by the camera, eliminating the need for multiple physical targets and stands while maintaining calibration precision through digital rendering of the target pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical system of physical targets mounted on stands with an electronic display system. The presentation screen displays the calibration target digitally, and the camera captures the displayed target through the windshield, replacing the need for physical target positioning equipment and reducing facility space requirements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sets of physical targets and stands are acquired for various vehicle makes and models, then calibration accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal calibration system where a single presentation screen and processor can calibrate various vehicle makes and models. The processor generates appropriate calibration target images based on the specific vehicle requirements, and the system adapts to different camera positions and angles through software configuration rather than requiring different physical target sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the calibration target from fixed physical dimensions to dynamically adjustable digital parameters. The processor can modify the size, position, and characteristics of the calibration target image displayed on the screen to match the specific requirements of different vehicle makes and models, providing flexibility without additional equipment.
3Measurement precision
If vehicles are transported to specialized facilities for calibration, then calibration quality is ensured, but time and ancillary costs increase by 40%-50%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables calibration facilities to perform calibration themselves using the portable system with a presentation screen and processor, rather than requiring transport to specialized OEM facilities. The system provides the necessary calibration functionality locally at the repair facility, eliminating transport time and ancillary costs while maintaining calibration quality through the same fundamental calibration process.
4Reliability
If controlled environments with specific lighting and reflective tolerances are used, then calibration reliability is improved, but facility requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a controlled calibration environment by displaying the calibration target on an electronic presentation screen that can be positioned within the vehicle. This digital target provides consistent lighting and reflective properties regardless of the external environment, allowing calibration to proceed in less controlled settings while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for calibrating a forward-facing camera or sensor of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a calibration tool, the position of which can be adjusted on the vehicle to align a presentation screen of the calibration tool with the vehicle camera. A processor performs a method to determine the size and position of a calibration target to be displayed on the presentation screen, based on a position of the calibration tool relative to the vehicle camera and generates a calibration target image to be digitally transmitted to the presentation screen. The presentation screen displays the calibration target image at an appropriate height, angle, and distance from the camera or sensor being calibrated.