Stereo Camera Calibration Using Temperature Predictive Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Stereo imaging systems suffer from inaccuracies in depth estimation due to discrepancies in optical characteristics caused by temperature changes, leading to errors in 3D representations.

Innovation Solution

A calibration method using a reference camera function derived from measurements at controlled temperatures, combined with subject camera data, to adjust optical parameters and digitally remap the subject camera, thereby improving alignment and synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If stereo cameras operate across different temperature levels, then the imaging system can adapt to varying environmental conditions, but optical characteristics change causing alignment discrepancies and depth estimation errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature adaptationVSAvoiddepth estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by deriving temperature-dependent camera functions that model how optical characteristics (focal length, optical center, distortion) vary with temperature. These functions use temperature as an input parameter to predict and compensate for optical changes, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision across different temperature conditions through mathematical modeling rather than physical adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using a reference camera to measure actual optical characteristics at different temperatures, then using these measurements to refine and update the camera functions. This closed-loop approach continuously improves the accuracy of temperature compensation by comparing predicted versus actual optical behavior and adjusting the models accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If calibration is performed at multiple temperature levels, then temperature-induced optical changes can be compensated, but calibration time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing comprehensive multi-temperature calibration once during manufacturing or initial setup to establish accurate camera functions. These pre-derived functions are then stored and reused for ongoing operation, eliminating the need for repeated time-consuming calibrations. The reference camera measurements taken across multiple temperatures during this initial phase create a reusable model that maintains reliability without requiring subsequent calibration time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a reference camera function that captures the temperature-dependent optical characteristics. This reference function is then copied and applied to other cameras of the same model, allowing multiple subject cameras to benefit from the calibration work done on a single reference camera. This approach significantly reduces calibration time for production while maintaining consistent accuracy across batches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If reference camera measurements are taken across a wide temperature range, then comprehensive compensation data is obtained, but measurement and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature range coverageVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the mathematical camera function - that mediates between the reference camera measurements and the subject camera compensation. Instead of directly transferring complex multi-temperature measurement data to each subject camera, the reference measurements are processed into compact analytical functions that serve as an intermediary representation. These functions capture the essential temperature-dependent behavior in a simplified form that is easy to store, transmit, and apply, reducing measurement and processing requirements while maintaining wide temperature range coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12470690B2Thermally robust calibration method for stereo cameras utilizing predictive models
Publication Date: 2025.11.11 STEREOLABS SAS
  • US12470690B2 patent drawing
  • US12470690B2 patent drawing
  • US12470690B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This disclosure relates to the calibration and tuning of stereo cameras. A disclosed method includes measuring an operating temperature of a subject camera, applying the operating temperature to a subject camera function to produce an output, and tuning the subject camera at the operating temperature using the output. The subject camera functions can be derived using a calibration method. The calibration method can include obtaining reference camera measurement data at a set of temperatures and deriving a reference function for the reference camera using the data. The reference function uses temperature as an input. The calibration method can also include obtaining subject camera measurement data from the subject camera and deriving the subject camera function for the subject camera using the reference function for the reference camera and the subject camera measurement data.