Machine Environment Imaging System with Calibration Feature Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging and display systems for machine environments have limitations due to cameras with fixed or adjustable fields of view, which often result in incomplete coverage and inaccuracies when stitching multiple camera views, leading to blind spots and image duplication.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving image data from multiple imaging devices with different fields of view, comparing a calibration feature with a virtual reference feature, and stitching images based on errors in position or orientation to produce a composite image that covers a full 360-degree view, using a control mechanism to adjust stitching settings and correct for misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to expand field of view coverage, then the coverage area increases, but image stitching accuracy deteriorates due to misalignment and calibration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by capturing images of calibration features (such as checkerboard patterns or known geometric structures) before normal operation. This preliminary action establishes reference data and transformation matrices that are stored for subsequent stitching operations, ensuring accurate alignment without requiring real-time adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration features serve as intermediaries between multiple camera views. These features appear in overlapping fields of view and provide common reference points that facilitate accurate stitching. The features act as mediators that bridge the coordinate systems of different cameras, enabling precise geometric transformation and alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are positioned on movable mounts to adjust field of view, then coverage flexibility improves, but system reliability and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts stitching parameters based on detected calibration feature positions and orientations. Rather than requiring physical repositioning of cameras, the software dynamically modifies transformation matrices and stitching algorithms to adapt to different operational conditions, maintaining reliability while providing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes stitching parameters (such as transformation matrices, overlap regions, and blending weights) based on calibration data and operational conditions. This allows the fixed camera system to achieve the flexibility of movable mounts by dynamically adjusting software parameters rather than physical positions.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional stitching methods are used to merge multiple camera images, then image merging is achieved, but blind spots and image duplication occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from detected calibration features to continuously monitor and adjust stitching accuracy. By comparing actual feature positions with expected positions, the system identifies stitching errors and compensates for them, eliminating blind spots and preventing image duplication through real-time correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite image is segmented into regions from different cameras based on accurately determined boundaries from calibration data. This segmentation approach, combined with overlap analysis of calibration features, ensures that each region is properly assigned without gaps (blind spots) or redundant coverage (duplication).
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging a machine environment includes receiving image data from imaging devices on a machine, and comparing a calibration feature in an image defined by the image data with a virtual reference feature in a stored calibration model. A plurality of images are stitched together based on an error between the calibration feature and the virtual reference feature, to produce a composite image of the machine environment. Related setup control logic and strategy, and hardware configurations are disclosed.