Vehicle Camera Calibration via Mirror Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera calibration methods for vehicle ADAS systems are time-consuming and require costly equipment, making them impractical for recalibration outside of the factory, especially after repairs or servicing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a calibration medium with a mirror and additional calibration references on the vehicle to determine spatial compensation values, allowing for camera calibration without precise vehicle alignment, utilizing a series of steps to deduce necessary rotations and translations for accurate calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the vehicle is aligned perfectly facing the calibration medium using traditional methods, then the calibration precision is improved, but the calibration time and equipment complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary element in the calibration setup. The mirror reflects the calibration medium (checkerboard pattern) toward the camera, enabling the calibration process without requiring precise alignment between the vehicle and the calibration medium. This intermediary reflection path eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment procedures while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditional one-dimensional alignment problem (frontal alignment) into a multi-dimensional solution by using mirror reflection. The calibration medium can be positioned at various angles and locations, and the mirror creates additional optical paths, allowing calibration from multiple geometric configurations rather than requiring a single precise alignment.
2Measurement precision
If expensive alignment equipment such as alignment platforms, rollers, lasers is used, then the calibration precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror serves as a simple intermediary that replaces complex alignment equipment. Instead of using alignment platforms, rollers, and lasers to ensure precise positioning, the mirror simply reflects the calibration pattern to the camera, achieving the same calibration precision with minimal and inexpensive equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex alignment equipment with a simple, inexpensive mirror and a printed calibration medium (checkerboard pattern). These simple elements can be easily manufactured or obtained without requiring specialized industrial equipment, dramatically reducing the cost and complexity of the calibration system.
3Reliability
If traditional calibration equipment is used, then the calibration can be performed, but the equipment is not always available outside the factory
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror and simplified calibration medium create a portable calibration system that can be deployed anywhere without requiring specialized factory equipment. The intermediary mirror allows the calibration to be performed using only a camera, a printed checkerboard, and a mirror - equipment that can be easily transported and used in workshops, showrooms, or any location where the vehicle needs recalibration.
4Measurement precision
If precise alignment procedures are followed, then the calibration accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for operators to perform complex alignment procedures. The calibration medium can be placed on the ground or any surface, and the mirror reflects it to the camera automatically, allowing anyone to perform calibration without requiring training in precise alignment techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system performs self-alignment through the mirror reflection mechanism. The geometry of the mirror placement and the reflection path automatically provides the necessary calibration information to the camera without requiring manual adjustment or intervention to achieve precise alignment, making the process self-correcting and operator-independent.
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
Enables fast, reliable, and inexpensive camera calibration by simplifying the process and eliminating the need for expensive alignment equipment, making it feasible for recalibration in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
a calibration medium (20) comprising a mirror (26) and at least a first calibration reference (24), the vehicle (30) comprising at least a second calibration reference (34)
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a medium (20) and a system (10) for calibrating a camera (32) of a vehicle (30). The calibration system (10) is remarkable in that it includes a calibration medium (20), including at least a first calibration reference (24) and a mirror (26), and a vehicle (30), including at least a second calibration reference (34). The method can be used to calibrate the camera (32) by determining the spatial compensation values between the camera (32) and the vehicle (30), without any need to align the vehicle (30) perfectly facing the calibration medium (20).