Panoramic Image Calibration Using Vertical Pattern Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panoramic image systems using fisheye cameras suffer from an imbalance in the proportion of objects at the center and edge due to optical limitations, leading to distorted images.
Innovation Solution
A panoramic image apparatus and method utilizing a calibration plate with a calibration pattern, captured by a panoramic camera in a vertical direction, and calibrated by a controller to adjust the image proportion using a trend line based on the calibration pattern's variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a fisheye camera is used to capture 360 degree panoramic images, then the coverage area is improved, but the image proportion balance between center and edge deteriorates due to optical compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing a calibration plate with a known pattern in the scene before capturing the panoramic image. The calibration pattern serves as a reference that is processed in advance to generate correction data, which is then used to compensate for the optical distortion. This preliminary calibration step enables the system to pre-calculate the compression characteristics and apply inverse transformation to restore proper proportions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by analyzing the calibration pattern image to detect variations in the vertical direction at the image edge. These variations reveal the compression parameters caused by the fisheye lens. The system then uses these detected parameters to transform and correct the panoramic image, changing the distortion parameters back to their original state and achieving balanced proportions between center and edge regions.
2Measurement precision
If the calibration plate is placed in the vertical direction, then the calibration accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the calibration plate to be self-contained with a predefined calibration pattern that automatically provides the necessary reference information. The pattern's vertical arrangement allows the system to self-calibrate by detecting the pattern's variation, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex manual adjustment mechanisms. The calibration plate serves itself as both the reference object and the measurement tool.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a panoramic image apparatus including a calibration plate, a panoramic camera and a controller. The calibration plate has a calibration pattern and is configured to be placed in a vertical direction. The panoramic camera is adapted to capture toward a space including the calibration plate, and is configured to capture in the vertical direction to capture a panoramic image including the calibration pattern image corresponding to the calibration pattern. The controller is electrically connected to the panoramic camera. The controller is configured to calibrate the panoramic image according to the calibration pattern and a variation of the calibration pattern image in the vertical direction at an edge of an image to provide a calibrated panoramic image. A method for calibrating a panoramic image and a computer-readable medium are also disclosed.