Self-illuminating harp for lens distortion calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration techniques for optical systems in autonomous vehicles suffer from inaccuracies due to lens distortion, leading to spatial inaccuracies that can result in misidentification of targets and dangerous conditions.
Innovation Solution
A self-illuminating harp system is used to calibrate for lens distortion by imaging and analyzing self-illuminated plumb lines produced by light fibers or other media, allowing for correction of lens distortion and emulation of a pinhole camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing calibration techniques are used for optical systems, then the calibration process can be completed, but lens distortion causes spatial inaccuracies leading to misidentification of targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a self-illuminating harp as an intermediary calibration target that actively emits light to create high-contrast plumb lines in the image. This intermediary object serves as a mediator between the camera system and the calibration process, enabling precise measurement of lens distortion through the emitted light patterns while eliminating the need for complex passive calibration targets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameter by using self-illuminating media that actively emit light rather than relying on external lighting. This parameter change creates high-contrast images of the plumb lines, enabling more accurate detection and measurement of lens distortion, thereby improving both spatial accuracy and target identification reliability
2Measurement precision
If a self-illuminating harp system is used to calibrate for lens distortion, then spatial accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target (harp) is self-illuminating, meaning it generates its own light without requiring external illumination sources. This self-service capability simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for separate lighting equipment, cameras, and complex illumination arrangements, while still achieving high spatial accuracy in distortion calibration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fibers or translucent media that copy and transmit light along their length to create the plumb lines. This copying mechanism allows the calibration target to be simple in structure while producing complex light patterns necessary for accurate distortion measurement, effectively decoupling physical complexity from functional complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The self-illuminating harp system effectively corrects lens distortion, resulting in spatially accurate imaging and improved target identification, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
The cores of translucent fibers are illuminated. These cores of translucent fibers are configured to scatter light throughout their bulk which escapes the core by egressing along the length of fiber.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for using a self-illuminating harp to calibrate for distortion. In particular, apparatus, methods and systems are provided for imaging and analyzing self-illuminated harp in order to correct for lens distortion. In various implementations, an array of media is strung plumb which resembles a harp. The media can be light fibers or other suitable material which can be strung in a straight line. The cores of translucent fibers are illuminated. These are configured to scatter light throughout their bulk which escapes the core by egressing along the length of fiber. This light produces plumb lines which can be imaged, analyzed and model. In some implementations, imaging is performed by rotation to include a full FOV.