High-precision visual navigation device calibration method based on collimator

TL;DR

This paper introduces a collimator-based calibration method for visual navigation devices that simplifies and speeds up camera and attitude calibration while maintaining high accuracy and stability.

Contribution

The study proposes a novel single-image camera calibration algorithm and an integrated attitude calibration system using a collimator, reducing calibration complexity and time.

Findings

Re-projection errors less than 0.1463 pixels

Average attitude angle errors below 0.0586 degrees

High precision and robustness comparable to traditional methods

Abstract

Visual navigation devices require precise calibration to achieve high-precision localization and navigation, which includes camera and attitude calibration. To address the limitations of time-consuming camera calibration and complex attitude adjustment processes, this study presents a collimator-based calibration method and system. Based on the optical characteristics of the collimator, a single-image camera calibration algorithm is introduced. In addition, integrated with the precision adjustment mechanism of the calibration frame, a rotation transfer model between coordinate systems enables efficient attitude calibration. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves accuracy and stability comparable to traditional multi-image calibration techniques. Specifically, the re-projection errors are less than 0.1463 pixels, and average attitude angle errors are less than 0.0586 degrees with a standard deviation less than 0.0257 degrees, demonstrating high precision and robustness.