Vehicle Camera Calibration Using Field-of-View Overlay Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration process for vehicle cameras is time-consuming and cumbersome, requiring a setup with a target image positioned at a specific distance and angle, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for calibrating vehicle cameras using an output device that displays overlays indicating the current and aligned centers of field of view, allowing users to align the camera manually or remotely, with the ability to adjust the camera aim based on vehicle identification and stored instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional calibration setup with target image positioned at specific distance and angle is used, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but the calibration process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual overlays (digital copies of alignment references) instead of physical target images. The system generates first and second overlays that are displayed on a screen, allowing the camera to capture these digital references without requiring physical calibration targets to be positioned at specific distances and angles. This eliminates the time-consuming setup of physical targets while maintaining calibration accuracy through software-based reference alignment.
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment of camera is performed without visual aids, then the process is simpler, but alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual overlays as an intermediary between the user and the camera alignment process. The first overlay indicates the current center of field, while the second overlay indicates the desired aligned center of field. These visual aids serve as mediators that guide the user in aligning the camera, making the process both simple (visual guidance) and accurate (precise alignment references). The overlays act as a bridge between manual operation and precision alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for calibrating a camera of a vehicle. A system may include the camera configured to be attached to the vehicle and capture a video. The system may further include an output device having a display. The output device may be configured to receive the video and display the video, a first overlay over the video indicating a current center of field of view of the camera, and a second overlay over the video indicating an aligned center of field of view of the camera on the display. The first overlay may be aligned with the second overlay on the display of the output device or an aim of the camera may be manually changed until the first overlay aligns with the second overlay to calibrate the camera.