Stereoscopic Depth Sensing Calibration via Virtual Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating stereoscopic depth sensing systems are costly, space-intensive, and difficult to implement for entities other than original manufacturers, limiting their ability to achieve high-quality calibration and recalibration, especially in-field.
Innovation Solution
The use of virtual targets generated on a display screen, which are designed to mimic physical targets, allowing for the calibration and validation of stereoscopic depth sensing systems at various depths and viewing angles without the need for physical repositioning of targets or extensive space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical targets are used for calibration at different depths and viewing angles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual targets displayed on a screen as a copy substitute for physical calibration targets. The virtual targets are generated computationally and displayed on a display device, eliminating the need for physical objects at various depths. This copying approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing the physical space required for calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical targets with an optical/electronic system. Instead of moving physical targets to different positions in space, the system uses a display screen to present virtual targets at computationally determined positions, substituting mechanical displacement with electronic image generation and display.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple physical targets are positioned at different locations for comprehensive calibration, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual target display system copies the essential function of physical calibration targets without requiring their physical fabrication and deployment. The calibration patterns are generated as digital images, eliminating the need for manufacturing physical targets with precise dimensions and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen serves multiple calibration functions simultaneously - it can present virtual targets at various depths, viewing angles, and positions without requiring separate physical targets for each condition. This universal approach simplifies the calibration process while maintaining comprehensive calibration quality.
3Measurement precision
If physical targets are repositioned for different calibration tests, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically generates and adjusts virtual targets on the display screen without physical movement. The virtual targets can be repositioned, resized, and reconfigured instantaneously through software control, eliminating the time required for physical target repositioning while maintaining the ability to test different depths and viewing angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates the positions and configurations of virtual targets based on the desired calibration parameters. This preliminary computational setup allows the calibration process to proceed efficiently without time-consuming physical adjustments, as all target configurations are prepared in advance through software.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to calibrate and/or validate stereoscopic depth sensing systems are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an image generator to generate a first image for a first image sensor; and generate a second image for a second image sensor. First content in the first image is to be shifted relative to corresponding second content in the second image by a shift amount. The shift amount based on a target depth to be tested. The example apparatus further includes a calibration controller to cause the first and second images to be presented on the display screen; and calibrate the first and second image sensors based on a difference between the target depth and a measured depth. The measured depth based on an analysis of the first and second images as captured by the first and second image sensors when the first and second images are presented on the display screen.