Portable Device Camera Calibration Without Lab Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining optical parameters of portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, require complex and costly laboratory calibration processes that are not scalable and rely on specific metrological equipment and trained professionals, making them impractical for widespread use.

Innovation Solution

A calibration method for portable electronic devices that allows untrained users to determine parameters using image acquisition modules by providing a known pattern, guiding the device through different positions, and processing images to accurately determine parameters like focal length without specialized equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a laboratory calibration process with specific metrological equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter determination accuracyVSAvoidcalibration process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a digital copy of the calibration pattern displayed on the device's own screen rather than requiring physical metrological equipment. The image acquisition module captures an image of the displayed pattern, creating a self-contained calibration system that eliminates the need for external laboratory equipment while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The portable electronic device performs its own calibration using its display and image acquisition module. The system is self-sufficient, requiring no external specialized equipment or trained professionals, as the device calibrates itself by capturing and processing images of its own displayed calibration pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If individual calibration of each smartphone is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical parameter accuracyVSAvoidcalibration throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration method is universally applicable to all portable electronic devices with a display and image acquisition module. The same calibration routine can be executed on any device without requiring individualized calibration procedures, enabling mass calibration while maintaining precision through the standardized process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manufacturer-provided metadata is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter acquisition simplicityVSAvoidfocal length accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces reliance on manufacturer-provided metadata with an actual optical measurement system. Instead of using potentially inaccurate provided parameters, the system uses the image acquisition module to capture real optical characteristics of the display, substituting empirical data collection for metadata assumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12524911B2Calibration method of a portable electronic device

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)

AI summary

A calibration method for determining parameters of a portable electronic device which includes an image acquisition module to be used to determine parameters of a user and a display, where the method includes providing a known pattern, using an image of the known pattern from the image acquisition module of the portable electronic device from a first position, providing at least one indication to the user to move the portable electronic device relative to the known pattern to at least a second position different from the first position, taking an image of the known pattern in the second position using the image acquisition module, and processing the image of the known pattern taken from the second position to determine at least the parameters of the portable electronic device comprising the image acquisition module used to take the image.