Automotive Industry

LiDAR to Camera Extrinsic Calibration

How a leading autonomous vehicle manufacturer achieved sub-millimeter accuracy in sensor fusion using our custom 3D marker-based calibration system

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Client
Global Automotive OEM
📅
Duration
3 Months
🎯
Accuracy
0.05mm / 0.01°

Project Overview

A major automotive manufacturer developing Level 4 autonomous vehicles faced critical challenges in achieving accurate sensor fusion between their 128-channel LiDAR systems and high-resolution camera arrays. The existing calibration methods were time-consuming, required specialized facilities, and couldn't maintain accuracy in production environments.

CalibWorks developed a revolutionary 3D marker-based calibration solution that transformed their entire calibration workflow, reducing calibration time from hours to minutes while achieving unprecedented accuracy levels required for safe autonomous operation.

  • Deployed across 15 production facilities worldwide
  • Calibrates multiple sensor configurations simultaneously
  • Works in various lighting conditions without external illumination
  • Automated quality verification and reporting system
  • Real-time calibration validation during vehicle operation
Calibration Time Reduction
95%
Accuracy Improvement
10x
Annual Cost Savings
$2.3M
Vehicles Calibrated
50,000+

The Challenge

Complex sensor fusion requirements in production environment

⚠️

Accuracy Requirements

Sub-millimeter precision needed for safe autonomous operation with zero tolerance for calibration drift over vehicle lifetime.

⏱️

Production Speed

Existing methods took 4+ hours per vehicle, creating bottlenecks in production lines and limiting throughput.

🌡️

Environmental Variability

Calibration needed to work across temperature ranges from -40°C to +85°C and various lighting conditions.

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Multi-Sensor Fusion

Synchronizing 8 cameras, 4 LiDARs, and 12 radar units with different update rates and data formats.

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Scalability

Solution needed to scale across multiple production facilities with minimal training requirements.

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Quality Assurance

Regulatory compliance required comprehensive documentation and validation of every calibration.

Our Solution

Revolutionary 3D marker-based calibration system

Custom Hardware & Software Integration

We developed a comprehensive calibration ecosystem combining our proprietary 3D marker technology with advanced computer vision algorithms and machine learning-based optimization.

The solution features our patented retroreflective markers that are simultaneously visible to both LiDAR and cameras, enabling precise correspondence matching across sensor modalities.

  • 1000W calibrated light source for consistent marker detection
  • AI-powered automatic marker detection and matching
  • Real-time calibration quality metrics and validation
  • Cloud-based calibration database for fleet management
  • Predictive maintenance alerts for calibration drift
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Implementation Process

From proof of concept to production deployment

1

Requirements Analysis

Conducted comprehensive analysis of sensor configurations, production constraints, and accuracy requirements. Developed custom simulation environment to validate approach.

2

Prototype Development

Built initial prototype with custom 3D markers and calibration algorithms. Achieved proof of concept with 0.1mm accuracy in controlled environment.

3

Pilot Testing

Deployed pilot system in single production facility. Calibrated 500 vehicles with continuous refinement of algorithms and procedures.

4

Full Deployment

Rolled out to all 15 production facilities worldwide. Trained 200+ technicians and established 24/7 remote support infrastructure.

Measurable Results

Transformative impact on production and quality

15 min
Calibration Time
↓ 95% reduction
🎯
0.05mm
Spatial Accuracy
↑ 10x improvement
📐
0.01°
Angular Precision
↑ 5x improvement
💰
$2.3M
Annual Savings
↑ ROI in 4 months
🏭
99.8%
First-Pass Yield
↑ From 78%
📈
300%
Throughput Increase
↑ 3x capacity

Technical Specifications

Advanced technology powering the solution

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Hardware Components

  • 3D Marker Technology Retroreflective
  • Light Source 1000W Calibrated
  • Marker Size 50-200mm
  • Detection Range 0.5-50m
  • Operating Temp -40°C to +85°C
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Software Features

  • Algorithm Type ML-Enhanced PnP
  • Processing Time <1 second
  • Optimization Bundle Adjustment
  • Data Format ROS/DDS Compatible
  • API Support C++/Python/ROS
📊

Performance Metrics

  • Repeatability ±0.01mm
  • Convergence Rate 99.9%
  • Calibration Points 500-2000
  • Update Rate 30Hz
  • Validation Score 0.98/1.0
"

CalibWorks' solution has been transformative for our autonomous vehicle program. The accuracy and speed improvements have not only reduced our production costs but have significantly enhanced the safety and reliability of our sensor fusion systems. Their team's expertise and support throughout the implementation were exceptional.

JK

Dr. James Kim

VP of Autonomous Systems • Global Automotive OEM

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