Lidar Calibration Using Point Cloud Intensity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LIDAR calibration methods are inconvenient, inaccurate, and lack robustness due to manual operations and reliance on key feature detection, which is prone to errors from LIDAR resolution.

Innovation Solution

A calibration method for LIDAR that uses point cloud data from a calibration board with a calibration pattern to correct initial pose information, incorporating intensity information to enhance accuracy and automate the calibration process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual selection of key features is used for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming with dependence on operator experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration operation convenienceVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system automatically identifies and selects calibration features from the point cloud data without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously processes the calibration board detection, extracts features, and computes transformation matrices, making the calibration process self-service and eliminating operator dependency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated computational algorithms. Instead of manual feature selection, the system uses image processing and pattern recognition algorithms to automatically identify calibration features and compute the transformation matrix, substituting human expertise with automated digital processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If key feature detection is used for calibration, then calibration can be achieved, but accuracy is compromised due to LIDAR resolution errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration result reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple data sources for calibration: it combines the calibration board pattern recognition with LIDAR point cloud data and intensity information. This integration allows the system to cross-validate measurements and compensate for errors in individual data sources, thereby improving overall calibration accuracy and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses intensity information from the point cloud data as feedback to verify and correct the calibration results. By comparing the intensity patterns with expected values from the calibration board, the system can detect and correct measurement errors, improving the reliability of the calibration parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If automated calibration is implemented, then manual operations are reduced, but calibration robustness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration automation levelVSAvoidcalibration robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes intensity information as an additional parameter to enhance the automated calibration process. By incorporating intensity data alongside spatial coordinates, the system gains an extra dimension for verification and correction, making the automated process more robust and reliable without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4506723A1Calibration method and apparatus for lidar and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4506723A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4506723A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4506723A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure proposes a calibration method for a LIDAR, wherein the calibration method includes the following steps: S11, obtaining point cloud data regarding the point cloud detected by the LIDAR for the calibration board, wherein the main plane of the calibration board has a calibration pattern and faces the LIDAR; S12, based on the point cloud data, determining the initial pose information of the calibration board in the LIDAR coordinate system; S13, using the calibration pattern and the intensity information of the point cloud data to correct the initial pose information, so as to determine a first transformation matrix between the LIDAR coordinate system and the calibration board coordinate system, and based on the first transformation matrix, determining the calibration parameters for the LIDAR. A corresponding calibration apparatus and computer-readable storage medium are also proposed. By means of the present disclosure, accurate calibration of the LIDAR can be achieved.