Vehicle Camera Calibration Apparatus with Visual Region Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibrating apparatuses for on-board vehicle cameras are inefficient due to reliance on manual adjustments, leading to unstable calibration precision and potential for inadequate calibration, especially in environments where custom decision criteria are required for acceptance/rejection of calibration results.
Innovation Solution
A calibrating apparatus that includes an image acquiring section, an image processing target region setting section, a calibration point detecting section, an adjusting section, and a display controlling section, allowing for semi-automatic calibration with visual confirmation, enabling early detection of potential errors and ensuring precise alignment of calibration markers within a graphic region frame displayed on the captured image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment method is used for camera calibration, then the construction is simple, but the calibration time is long and precision is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automatic image processing system. The calibration point specifying section automatically detects calibration points in captured images and calculates camera parameters through coordinate transformation, eliminating the need for workers to manually adjust cameras while viewing display screens. This substitution dramatically reduces calibration time while maintaining simplicity through automated algorithms.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment method is used for camera calibration, then the construction is simple, but the calibration precision is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calibration point specifying section continuously monitors the captured images, detects calibration points, and adjusts camera parameters based on the detected positions. The system provides visual feedback through the display section showing the detected calibration points and their alignment with expected positions, allowing for precise and stable calibration results through iterative adjustment based on actual measurement data.
3Measurement precision
If automatic calculation method is used for camera parameters, then calibration precision is improved, but the decision of acceptance/rejection cannot be made until completion of all processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary validation of calibration results during the calculation process itself. The calibration point specifying section evaluates whether detected calibration points meet predetermined criteria before completing the full parameter calculation. This preliminary assessment allows for early acceptance or rejection decisions, saving time by avoiding completion of unnecessary calculation processes when calibration is clearly inadequate.
4Adaptability or versatility
If environment-dependent criteria are used for calibration decision, then the calibration can be adapted to specific conditions, but the system becomes more complex and requires customization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adjustable parameter thresholds for calibration acceptance/rejection decisions. The system allows modification of numerical criteria such as calibration point detection accuracy requirements and alignment tolerances to adapt to different environmental conditions and camera types. This parameter-based approach provides versatility without requiring complex structural changes or extensive customization of the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a calibrating apparatus for an on-board camera of a vehicle, which allows speedy, yet reliable decision of acceptance/rejection of calibration result, with a simple apparatus construction, without depending on or being influenced by the calibration environment. An image processing target region on which an image processing for detection of each calibration point in each one of calibration markers in a camera-captured image which is a projecting plane of a camera coordinate system is displayed as a region frame in the form of a graphic image, in superposition with the camera-captured image.