Stereo Camera Self-Calibration via Optical Axis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereo camera calibration methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring experienced technicians to manually align multiple camera shots, which increases costs and shooting pressures due to the lengthy calibration process.
Innovation Solution
A stereo camera apparatus and calibration method that includes an image capturing device, an optical axis controlling module, and a calculating module, which automatically adjusts the imaging optical axes of multiple image capturing units to align them based on calculated calibration conditions, reducing manual intervention and speeding up the calibration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration method is used, then alignment accuracy can be achieved, but calibration time becomes very long (2-3 hours per calibration)
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images, calculating alignment deviations, and adjusting optical axes without human intervention. The calibration apparatus uses the camera shots themselves to determine calibration conditions, enabling the system to calibrate itself rapidly while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated image processing and computational analysis. By using image capture and algorithmic deviation calculation instead of manual visual alignment, the system achieves both speed and precision automatically.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed by experienced technicians, then accurate alignment can be achieved, but labor costs and shooting pressures increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system eliminates dependency on experienced technicians by implementing automated self-calibration. The apparatus independently captures images, computes alignment deviations, determines calibration conditions, and executes adjustments, completely removing the need for manual expert intervention and thereby increasing shooting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated calibration apparatus as an intermediary between the camera system and the calibration process. This intermediary device handles all calibration operations through automated image processing and control, replacing human technicians and significantly improving productivity.
3Reliability
If multiple camera shots are used for stereo image capture, then 3D quality improves, but the complexity of calibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically handles the complexity of multi-camera calibration by capturing images from all camera shots, computing alignment deviations across multiple views, and determining calibration conditions algorithmically. This self-service approach manages the inherent complexity of multi-camera systems without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where images captured by multiple cameras are analyzed to calculate alignment deviations. This feedback information is then used to determine calibration conditions and guide automatic adjustments, creating a closed-loop system that manages complexity through iterative optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A stereo camera apparatus including an image capturing device, an optical axis controlling module and a calculating module is provided. The image capturing device is suitable for obtaining a stereo image, and the image capturing device includes a plurality of image capturing units. The optical axis controlling module is coupled to the image capturing device. The calculating module is coupled to the image capturing device and the optical axis controlling module, wherein the calculating module calculates a calibration condition according to the stereo image. The optical axis controlling module adjusts directions of imaging optical axes of the image capturing units. After being adjusted by the optical axis controlling modules, the imaging optical axes of the image capturing units are aligned. Besides, a self-calibration apparatus and a method of calibration are also provided.