Stereo Camera Recalibration Using Sensor Feedback in Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles require accurate distance readings from stereoscopic cameras, which may degrade over time and need recalibration to maintain precision.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic calibration of stereoscopic cameras using input from sensors like radar or LiDAR to adjust camera placement based on disparity analysis, ensuring accurate distance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereoscopic cameras are used to determine distance for autonomous driving tasks, then distance measurement capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates over time due to camera misalignment and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic recalibration of stereoscopic cameras during vehicle operation rather than static calibration. The system continuously monitors disparity between left and right camera images and adjusts camera parameters in real-time to maintain accurate distance measurements despite environmental changes, vibrations, or mounting shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from disparity analysis of stereoscopic images and complementary sensor data (radar, LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors) to detect calibration drift. When discrepancies are detected between camera-based distance measurements and sensor-based measurements, the system automatically triggers recalibration to correct the alignment, ensuring continuous measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic recalibration is performed during vehicle operation, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional sensors (radar, LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors) already present in autonomous vehicles for other functions like obstacle detection and navigation. These sensors are repurposed to provide reference data for camera calibration, eliminating the need for dedicated calibration hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is self-calibrating using its own operational data. The stereoscopic cameras continue to capture images during normal operation, and the system automatically processes these images to detect calibration drift and perform adjustments without requiring external intervention, separate calibration equipment, or additional manual steps.
3Device complexity
If camera calibration is performed statically during manufacturing, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision deteriorates during vehicle operation due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static pre-manufacturing calibration to dynamic in-operation calibration. The system continuously adapts camera parameters based on real-time environmental conditions, vehicle vibrations, and operational stresses, maintaining measurement precision throughout the vehicle's lifecycle without requiring complex recalibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
While maintaining simple static calibration during manufacturing, the system performs preliminary calibration actions continuously during operation. The automatic recalibration process is triggered proactively when calibration drift is detected, preventing measurement degradation before it affects autonomous driving decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
Recalibrating stereoscopic cameras during vehicle operation may include: determining a disparity between first image data from a first camera and second image data from a second camera, wherein the first camera and the second camera are in a stereoscopic configuration, and wherein the disparity comprises a difference in placement of one or more objects in the first image data relative to the second image data; and adjusting one or more of the first camera or the second camera, based on the disparity and sensor data from a sensor other than the first camera or the second camera, to calibrate the stereoscopic configuration of the first camera and the second camera to achieve stereoscopic camera distance functionality.