Cameras: Intrinsic Calibration

Processing steps

1. Save calibration video to project_root/calibration/intrinsic/ with the filename in the format of port_#.mp4 as described in Project Setup
2. Reload the workspace if needed so that theCamera tab becomes enabled
3. On the specific Camera sub-tab, ensure that the video is loaded correctly
4. Confirm by scrolling through the video that the calibration board corners are being recognized (red dots placed on them)
5. (Option 1) Manual Board Selection
6. Scroll through the calibration footage and select Add Grid to include the frame in your calibration data. Grid images should accumulate for all grids included in the intrinisc calibration.
7. When you have chosen the frames you like, click Calibrate to begin the calibration process.
8. (Option 2) Autocalibrate
9. Select the target number of boards for your calibration (~20 works well)
10. Select the percent of the board that must be identified for it to be included in the calibration data (the "Board Threshold")
11. click Autocalibrate
12. The video will play and calibration data will be periodically stored. At the conclusion of the video the calibration will be performed and the updated camera parameters will be displayed in the GUI (and stored in the config.toml file at the project root).

NOTE: Intrinsic calibration only needs to be performed once per camera. Previously determined values can be carried over to a new project's config.toml file when using the same cameras in a new setup.

MultiWebCam

While conventionally synchronized video data with specialized cama

Practical Recording Guidelines

1. Feel free to move the camera or the board

   • it can be easier to collect good data when directly monitoring the view of the camera
   • the camera does not need to be in the same position as it is during the extrinsic calibration (and the calibration board doesn't need to be the same either)

2. Minimize Motion Blur:

   • make movements slow and smooth
   • Use a high shutter speed to reduce motion blur.
   • Ensure adequate lighting to allow for a faster shutter speed without underexposing the video.

3. Provide Foreshortening:

   • Hold the calibration board at various angles relative to the camera. This introduces foreshortening, which is crucial for the calibration process as it provides more information about the camera’s lens characteristics.
   • Include a mix of positions: some shots with the board tilted towards the camera, some away, and others at an angle.

4. Cover the Entire Field of View:

   • Move the calibration board throughout the entire field of view of the camera. This ensures that the calibration accounts for lens distortions and other characteristics across the whole image sensor.

5. Use a High-Quality Calibration Board:

   • The board should be printed on a flat, rigid material to prevent warping.

6. Vary the Distance:

   • Film the calibration board at different distances from the camera. This variation helps in understanding how the camera focuses at different depths.

7. Consistent Focus:

   • Use manual focus if available to keep the focus consistent throughout the filming.
   • Auto-focus can introduce inconsistencies as it may change between shots.

8. Adequate Lighting:

   • Ensure the scene is well-lit to avoid noise and grain in the video, which can interfere with the calibration process.
   • Avoid strong direct light sources that can cause glare or shadows on the calibration board.