Wearable AR Camera Calibration Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cameras used in vehicle navigational systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, require frequent recalibration due to positional errors caused by stress, thermal changes, and jostling, leading to unreliable output if not periodically recalibrated.

Innovation Solution

The use of a wearable head-mounted device with augmented reality to guide the collection of camera calibration data using a moveable or fixed calibration target, either by moving the target relative to the cameras or having the vehicle move past fixed targets, allowing for automated and efficient calibration data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual camera calibration is performed using traditional methods, then calibration data can be collected, but the process requires significant time and human operators, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration data fidelityVSAvoidcalibration time and operator requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service calibration by allowing the vehicle to automatically capture calibration data while moving through the environment. The calibration target and vehicle cameras work together autonomously to collect and process calibration information without requiring manual intervention or specialized operators, thus improving productivity while maintaining calibration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration process transitions from static, manual procedures to dynamic, motion-based data collection. The vehicle moves through space while capturing calibration data from multiple perspectives, and the system dynamically processes this moving data to achieve accurate calibration results, reducing both time and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If cameras are frequently recalibrated to maintain accuracy, then reliable output is ensured, but the complexity of the calibration process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera output reliabilityVSAvoidcalibration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration actions by capturing multiple calibration images during normal vehicle movement. These preliminary data collection steps are integrated into routine operations, allowing calibration to be performed proactively before reliability degrades, rather than requiring complex scheduled recalibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, working with the vehicle's existing camera infrastructure and movement capabilities. The same cameras used for navigation can also capture calibration data, and the process works whether the vehicle is moving slowly or quickly, eliminating the need for specialized calibration equipment or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automated calibration data collection is implemented, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases due to augmented reality integration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration automation levelVSAvoidaugmented reality system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The augmented reality display serves as an intermediary between the calibration data collection process and the user. It visually guides the operator on where to position the calibration target and provides real-time feedback on calibration progress, simplifying the interaction despite the underlying system complexity. The AR interface mediates between the complex automated processes and simple user actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11317077B1Collection of camera calibration data using augmented reality
Publication Date: 2022.04.26 AMAZON TECH INC
  • US11317077B1 patent drawing
  • US11317077B1 patent drawing
  • US11317077B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for collecting camera calibration data using wearable devices are described. An augmented reality interface may be provided at a wearable device. Three-dimensional virtual information may be presented at the augmented reality interface. The three-dimensional information may identify a field of view of a remote camera and may be associated with collection of calibration data for the remote camera. Calibration data collected by the remote camera viewing a calibration target in the field of view may be received. The camera may be calibrated based at least in part on the calibration data.