Rear-View Camera Calibration Using On-Vehicle Marker References
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear-view cameras in vehicles, particularly utility vehicles, face challenges in precise calibration due to unintentional rotation or displacement, leading to detection errors and potential malfunctions in driver assistance systems, especially in retrofit systems where direct distance measurement is complex and manual calibration methods are elaborate.
Innovation Solution
A method for calibrating rear-view cameras using adjustable components like air guide components with markers, allowing for fully automated calibration by reading image signals and marker positions to determine the camera pose and transform image coordinates into a vehicle-referenced coordinate system, enabling independent and location-independent calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration methods using markers outside the vehicle are used, then calibration can be performed, but the process is elaborate and location-dependent requiring special driving maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (such as a calibration board or marker system) that is integrated directly onto the vehicle body at a predetermined position. This intermediary serves as a stable reference object that mediates between the camera and the calibration process, eliminating the need for external markers and complex manual procedures. The intermediary is fixed on the vehicle and works automatically with the camera to determine calibration parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If retrofit camera systems are used, then installation flexibility is improved, but the risk of unintentional displacement or rotation increases since the camera is not inherently connected to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the relative position and orientation between the camera and the vehicle using the integrated calibration reference. When displacement or rotation is detected, the system generates feedback signals to alert the user or automatically adjust the camera position. This feedback loop ensures that even retrofit cameras maintain reliable alignment with the vehicle throughout operation.
3Reliability
If fixed factory installation is used, then defective aiming is ruled out, but installation flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the calibration reference object on the vehicle body at specific positions during vehicle manufacturing. This preliminary setup creates a built-in calibration framework that remains valid throughout the vehicle's lifecycle. When cameras are installed (whether factory or retrofit), they can be calibrated against this pre-established reference, ensuring reliable aiming accuracy while maintaining installation flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a rear-view camera on a vehicle, having at least one component which can be adjusted, wherein the at least one component can be adjusted into a calibration setting and at least one marker is arranged on the at least one component such that the marker lies in an acquisition region of the rear-view camera after the at least one component has been adjusted into the calibration setting. The rear-view camera is in a camera pose relative to the vehicle, and the method includes reading in image signals of the rear-view camera, reading in at least one marker position, ascertaining at least one image position as a function of the image signals and calibrating the rear-view camera as a function of the read at least one marker position of a respective marker and the ascertained image position of the respective marker.