Universal Calibration Target for Multi-Sensor Imaging Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration methods for multi-sensor systems in autonomous vehicles are complex and prone to variability due to the use of multiple calibration targets, which can affect the accuracy of extrinsic calibration and require additional data collection for optical performance measurement.
Innovation Solution
A single calibration target system that includes a through hole, areas with vertical and horizontal slots, light absorbing surfaces, and slanted edges is used to calibrate multiple camera/sensor systems. This target system is designed to emit black body radiation through its slots, allowing for the calibration and performance testing of various optical systems with a single target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple calibration targets are used for different sensors, then each sensor can be calibrated with a target optimized for its specific characteristics, but the system complexity increases and variability between targets affects extrinsic calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target is designed with multiple functional areas that can serve different sensor types simultaneously. The target includes a diffuse reflector for visible light cameras, a thermal emitter for infrared sensors, and geometric features for various sensor modalities, allowing a single target to perform calibration across multiple sensor types without requiring separate specialized targets for each sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple calibration functions and features that would traditionally require separate targets are merged into a single integrated calibration target. The target combines geometric patterns, reflective surfaces, and thermal emission capabilities in one structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate targets and reducing system complexity while maintaining calibration accuracy.
2Reliability
If multiple calibration targets are used, then each target can be optimized for specific sensor types, but additional data collection is required for complete optical performance measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target simultaneously provides all necessary calibration data for multiple sensor types in a single measurement session. By integrating visible light reflection, infrared emission, and geometric reference features into one target, the system can collect complete calibration and optical performance data for all sensors at once, eliminating the need for sequential data collection with multiple targets.
3Device complexity
If a single calibration target is used, then system complexity is reduced and extrinsic calibration accuracy is improved, but the target must accommodate multiple sensor types with different calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target is divided into distinct functional segments or zones, each optimized for specific sensor types. The target includes segmented areas with different optical and thermal properties, allowing each sensor type to utilize the appropriate segment while maintaining a unified single-target structure that reduces system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of a single calibration target reduces the complexity of multi-sensor calibration, improves extrinsic calibration accuracy by eliminating variability between targets, and allows for the measurement of optical performance without additional data collection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one black body source positioned behind the at least one calibration target element, the black body source configured to emit black body radiation such that the black body radiation passes through the through hole and the plurality of slots
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems and methods used for calibration of camera/sensor systems. A calibration target system can include at least one calibration target element and at least one black body source. The calibration target element can include an outer perimeter, a modular transfer function (MTF) testing area, a through hole extending through the at least one calibration target, and a plurality of slots extending through the at least one calibration target. The MTF testing area can comprise a light-absorbing surface and at least one slant edge that is non-orthogonal with respect to any side of the outer perimeter. The black body source can be positioned behind the at least one calibration target elements and configured to emit black body radiation such that the black body radiation passes through the through hole and the plurality of slots.