PTZ Camera Automatic Calibration via Spherical Mosaic Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual calibration of pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras is impractical for deployed cameras that are difficult to reach, leading to challenges in ensuring proper operation and high-resolution image capture in security systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically determining and calibrating PTZ camera parameters, including radial distortion, base focal length, zoom and magnification profile, actuation delay, pan and tilt position mode speed, zoom position and duration profile, query delay, and minimum query interval, using a series of engines and computer-executable instructions within a PTZ calibration module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration of PTZ camera is performed, then calibration accuracy can be ensured, but it becomes impractical for deployed cameras that are difficult to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The PTZ camera system performs self-calibration automatically without requiring manual intervention. The calibration module executes calibration routines autonomously, allowing the camera to calibrate itself even when deployed in hard-to-reach locations, thus resolving the contradiction between calibration accuracy and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual calibration process with an automated software-based calibration system. The calibration module uses computational algorithms to determine camera parameters automatically, substituting the need for physical access and manual adjustment with an automated electronic calibration process
2Ease of operation
If automated calibration is implemented, then calibration accessibility is improved for hard-to-reach cameras, but calibration precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration module incorporates feedback mechanisms where calibration results are continuously refined based on observed camera performance. The system adjusts calibration parameters iteratively, using feedback from actual camera operation to improve precision while maintaining automated accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reference images or test patterns as copies of known geometric structures to establish calibration benchmarks. By comparing actual camera output against these reference copies, the automated system achieves high precision calibration without requiring manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple calibration parameters are determined simultaneously, then calibration completeness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is divided into separate modular components, each responsible for determining specific calibration parameters. The calibration module segments the complex calibration task into manageable sub-tasks (e.g., radial distortion, tangential distortion, focal length), allowing comprehensive calibration while maintaining system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration module is designed as a universal system that can determine multiple types of calibration parameters through a unified approach. A single calibration routine handles various parameters (distortion coefficients, focal length, principal point) simultaneously, achieving calibration completeness without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method to determine a base focal length of a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera system. The method includes generating a spherical mosaic with a feature track by the camera system and determining, by the camera system, a base focal length by analyzing a conic trajectory created by the feature track on an image plane.