Gated Camera Calibration via Sensor Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating gated cameras do not adequately consider the interaction between the lighting device and optical sensor, making it difficult to achieve accurate distance measurements, especially over distances up to 200 meters, and fail to account for ageing effects, which can lead to measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A method that coordinates the control of the lighting device and optical sensor using a distance sensor system, allowing for temporal synchronization and adjustment based on object distance measurements, thereby enhancing measurement accuracy and compensating for ageing effects, while ensuring the calibration environment matches the operational environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light pulses are transmitted by the lighting device and compared with a reference light pulse for calibration, then the lighting device can be calibrated, but the interaction between the lighting device and optical sensor is not considered, leading to inaccurate distance measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit receives signals from both the lighting device and optical sensor, compares the actual interaction with expected behavior, and adjusts the calibration parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the interaction between components is accounted for, resolving the contradiction between calibration capability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts calibration parameters based on the actual interaction characteristics between the lighting device and optical sensor. By changing calibration parameters in response to measured interaction effects, the system maintains high measurement precision while accounting for the previously ignored component interaction.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed in a controlled environment, then calibration can be carried out, but the dimensions of the calibration environment differ from the operational environment, making it difficult to achieve accurate measurements over distances up to 200 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration method is designed to be universally applicable across different environments by using the actual operational interaction between the lighting device and optical sensor during normal vehicle operation. This multi-environment compatibility allows the same calibration procedure to work whether the vehicle is stationary or moving, in controlled or uncontrolled environments, eliminating the need for separate calibration environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration using its own operational characteristics. The control unit utilizes the actual light pulse transmission and detection during normal vehicle operation to automatically adjust calibration parameters, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or controlled environments. This self-service approach ensures calibration accuracy matches the operational environment exactly.
3Measurement precision
If the gated camera is calibrated without considering ageing effects, then calibration can be performed, but ageing effects and contamination distort the distance measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of ageing effects and contamination during the calibration process itself. By measuring the actual interaction characteristics at the time of calibration, the system preemptively compensates for ageing effects before they significantly distort measurements. This preliminary action maintains measurement stability over time by continuously adapting to component degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor and detect changes in the interaction between the lighting device and optical sensor over time. This feedback enables the system to detect ageing effects and adjust calibration parameters accordingly, maintaining measurement precision despite component degradation and contamination.
4Measurement precision
If temporal coordination of lighting device and optical sensor is not considered, then the system is simpler to control, but the measuring accuracy of the gated camera is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of the lighting device and optical sensor into a unified temporal coordination system. By combining and synchronizing the activation timing of both components under single control, the system achieves accurate distance measurements without requiring separate complex control mechanisms. The merged control approach simplifies the overall system while improving measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method improves the calibration accuracy of gated cameras by synchronizing the lighting and optical sensor controls, allowing for precise distance measurements and early detection of component failures due to ageing, thus reducing measurement errors and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
light pulses are transmitted by means of the lighting device
Implementation Method 2
These transmitted light pulses are compared with a reference light pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a gated camera that has a lighting device and an optical sensor by a distance sensor system. A control of the lighting device and the optical sensor are temporally coordinated with each other where the coordinated control is associated with a visible distance range. An object is searched for on at least one boundary of the visible distance range. When the object is found on the at least one boundary, an object distance is defined as a distance of the object found relative to the gated camera by the distance sensor system. A target distance of the at least one boundary to the gated camera is compared with the object distance. The coordinated control is evaluated and/or changed on a basis of the comparison between the target distance and the object distance.