Multi-Depth Calibration Chart for 3D Camera Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration methods for multi-camera recording devices used in three-dimensional image capture are cumbersome and inaccurate due to reliance on two-dimensional calibration charts, which fail to ensure correct alignment at all depth levels and can lead to pseudoscopic space inversion, where depth information is incorrectly inverted.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a calibration system that utilizes at least two depth levels, featuring geometric positioning elements such as crosses, dots, or patterns at different distances to accurately align cameras and correct the attribution of left and right image channels, potentially using transparent or partially transparent calibration charts and additional distance calibration elements like recognizable patterns or laser projections within a mirror box setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-dimensional calibration chart is used for camera calibration, then the calibration process is simplified, but the calibration accuracy at different depth levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional calibration charts to three-dimensional calibration objects with features at multiple depth levels. The calibration object includes planar surfaces at different distances from the camera, allowing simultaneous calibration across multiple depth planes. This dimensional expansion enables accurate determination of camera parameters (focal length, principal point, skew) and distortion coefficients for objects at various depths, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and calibration precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If cameras are calibrated at a specific distance only, then the calibration is easier to perform, but the alignment correctness at all depth levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration object is designed with multiple planar surfaces at different depth levels, each containing calibration features. This multi-functional design allows a single calibration setup to simultaneously calibrate the camera system for objects at various distances, eliminating the need for separate calibration procedures at different depths. The universal calibration object ensures reliable alignment correctness across all depth levels while maintaining ease of setup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera position or focal length is changed, then the recording flexibility is improved, but the calibration accuracy deteriorates due to offsets and parallaxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a comprehensive calibration procedure that must be performed whenever camera position or focal length changes. The multi-depth calibration object provides reference features at various distances, enabling the system to detect and correct offsets and parallaxes that occur after configuration changes. This preliminary recalibration action ensures that recording flexibility is maintained while calibration accuracy is restored to optimal levels.
4Device complexity
If left and right camera images are not precisely correlated with respective eyes, then the setup complexity is reduced, but the visual quality deteriorates due to pseudoscopic space inversion
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process uses the multi-depth calibration object to provide feedback on the correct correlation between left/right camera images and respective eyes. By observing how calibration features at different depth levels appear in both camera views, the system can determine the proper eye-to-camera channel assignment. This feedback mechanism ensures precise image-to-eye correlation, preventing pseudoscopic space inversion while keeping the setup process manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Device for the calibration of a multi-camera recording device for three dimensional picture recording, where the calibration occurs on two depth levels consisting of a calibration chart which features at least one characteristic for geometric positioning on a two-dimensional space and if applicable at least one characteristic for the calibration of further traits of the camera system characterized by the calibration chart being used for near calibration and it being at least partially transparent or a space being cut out of it and where behind the calibration chart at least one additional natural or artificial calibration element is available for distance calibration.