Stereo Camera Calibration via Shared Model Pattern

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Solution Overview

Problem

Calibration of multiple cameras in a stereo camera system requires generating a model pattern and setting parameters for each camera, which decreases operability and efficiency due to the need for repeated parameter settings and model pattern generation.

Innovation Solution

A calibration device and method that generates a model pattern and sets parameters for detecting a target mark using one camera's data to calibrate multiple cameras, allowing the second camera to use these parameters for target mark detection and calibration, eliminating the need for repeated parameter settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If calibration is performed by generating a model pattern and setting parameters for each camera independently, then detection precision is maintained, but calibration time and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget mark detection precisionVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the calibration process into two distinct phases: (1) model pattern generation phase where a universal model is created from reference images, and (2) parameter setting phase where detection parameters are automatically determined for each camera using the pre-generated model. This segmentation allows the time-consuming model generation to be performed once, while subsequent camera calibrations benefit from the reusable model, thereby reducing overall calibration time while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by generating the model pattern in advance before actual calibration begins. The model pattern, which contains essential geometric and visual characteristics of the target mark, is created once and stored for reuse. This preliminary generation eliminates the need to repeatedly create model patterns during calibration, significantly reducing calibration time while ensuring consistent detection precision across multiple cameras.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a universal model pattern is generated for all cameras, then calibration efficiency improves, but detection precision may deteriorate due to different distortion characteristics of each camera

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration efficiencyVSAvoidtarget mark detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by customizing detection parameters for each camera based on its specific characteristics. While the model pattern itself is universal and reused across all cameras, the detection parameters (such as exposure time, gain, and detection thresholds) are individually optimized for each camera's distortion characteristics and performance capabilities. This ensures that each camera operates at optimal precision while benefiting from the efficiency of a shared model pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting detection parameters for each camera based on the universal model pattern. The system automatically determines camera-specific parameters by comparing reference images with the model pattern, allowing each camera to have optimized detection settings that account for its unique distortion characteristics. This parameter customization maintains detection precision while preserving the efficiency gains from using a single model pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple parameters are set for each camera to accommodate different distortions, then detection accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget mark detection accuracyVSAvoidcalibration operability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine and set detection parameters for each camera using the pre-generated model pattern. The calibration process requires minimal operator intervention, as the system autonomously compares reference images with the model pattern and configures appropriate parameters for each camera. This automation maintains detection accuracy while significantly improving ease of operation and reducing calibration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by creating a single model pattern that serves all cameras in the system. This universal model contains the essential characteristics of the target mark and can be reused across multiple cameras with different distortion characteristics. The model pattern functions as a common reference for generating detection parameters for all cameras, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve accurate detection for each individual camera.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10434654B2Calibration device, calibration method, and computer readable medium for visual sensor
Publication Date: 2019.10.08 FANUC LTD
  • US10434654B2 patent drawing
  • US10434654B2 patent drawing
  • US10434654B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A parameter for detecting a target mark 5 is not required to be set for each camera repeatedly while a stereo camera 2 is calibrated. A calibration device 1 associates position information in an image coordinate system at a first camera 21 of a stereo camera 2, position information in an image coordinate system at a second camera 22 of the stereo camera 2, and position information in a robot coordinate system at a robot 4. The calibration device comprises: first parameter setting unit 102 that sets a first parameter for detecting a target mark 5 attached to the robot 4 from data about an image captured by the first camera 21; and a second parameter setting unit 104 that sets a second parameter for detecting the target mark 5 from data about an image captured by the second camera 22 based on the first parameter.