Stereo Camera Image Calibration via Remote Pattern Download

Solution Overview

Problem

Stereo cameras experience a decrease in structure and optical accuracy over time due to environmental and usage factors, requiring costly and inconvenient image rectification operations that typically necessitate returning the device to the manufacturer for calibration.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a stereo camera's processor transmits system parameters to a server, downloads a calibration pattern, and performs image rectification on the left and right image capture units using calculated camera calibration parameters, allowing for remote compensation of accuracy degradation without professional intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the stereo camera is returned to the manufacturer for image rectification operation, then the structure and optical accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes inconvenient, time-consuming, and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical accuracyVSAvoidcalibration convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stereo camera performs calibration autonomously by capturing images of a calibration pattern (such as a QR code) and processing them through onboard algorithms to compute and apply rectification parameters, eliminating the need for manufacturer intervention and enabling users to maintain calibration independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system integrates multiple functions including automatic detection of calibration patterns, computation of rectification parameters, and application of correction transformations within a single device, allowing the stereo camera to perform both calibration and operational functions without external equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the stereo camera is returned to the manufacturer for image rectification operation, then the structure and optical accuracy can be maintained, but additional costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical accuracyVSAvoidcalibration cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The stereo camera performs calibration autonomously by capturing images of a calibration pattern (such as a QR code) and processing them through onboard algorithms to compute and apply rectification parameters, eliminating the need for manufacturer intervention and enabling users to maintain calibration independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a simple, inexpensive calibration pattern (such as a printed QR code or checkerboard) that can be easily reproduced and discarded, replacing costly professional calibration equipment and services with low-cost consumable calibration materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If the stereo camera is returned to the manufacturer for image rectification operation, then the structure and optical accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stereo camera performs calibration autonomously by capturing images of a calibration pattern (such as a QR code) and processing them through onboard algorithms to compute and apply rectification parameters, eliminating the need for manufacturer intervention and enabling users to maintain calibration independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration process is designed to be performed quickly by the user at any time during operation, rather than requiring scheduled manufacturer visits, allowing proactive maintenance before accuracy degradation affects performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10009595B2Image calibration system and calibration method of a stereo camera

Publication Date: 2018.06.26 EYS3D MICROELECTRONICS CO

AI summary

A calibration method of a stereo camera includes transmitting a group of system parameters of the stereo camera to a server; downloading calibration pattern corresponding to the group of system parameters from the server; calculating a plurality of camera calibration parameters corresponding to the stereo camera according to the calibration pattern; and executing an image rectification operation on a left eye image capture unit and a right eye image capture unit of the stereo camera according to the plurality of camera calibration parameters, respectively.