#Japan #Tokyo #Autonomous Driving #TIER IV #Morpho Visual Calibrator

Morpho's Revolutionary Technology in Autonomous Vehicle Calibration

Morpho, a pioneering AI technology company based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has made headlines with its innovative markerless auto calibration solution, the Morpho Visual Calibrator™. This technology aims to significantly simplify and enhance the auto calibration process for in-vehicle cameras. Recently, Morpho showcased its successful partnership with Tier IV, a key player in autonomous driving software development, emphasizing how this collaboration is paving the way for the democratization of autonomous vehicles.

Introduction of Morpho Visual Calibrator™

The Morpho Visual Calibrator™ leverages cutting-edge AI algorithms to automatically determine the spatial relationships between multiple cameras utilized in vehicles. Traditional calibration methods often require specialized equipment and extensive manual work, leading to increased manufacturing costs and labor inefficiencies. By implementing this technology, manufacturers can drastically reduce investments in calibration infrastructure, while also adapting to the growing number of cameras and sensors integrated into next-generation vehicles.

This advanced auto calibration system marks a significant shift for the industry. With the increasing complexity of autonomous driving technologies, the need for efficient calibration solutions has never been more pressing. The full details of this groundbreaking technology can be found on Morpho's official site here.

Background and Challenges Faced Before Implementation

Before adopting the Morpho Visual Calibrator™, Tier IV faced several operational challenges. With the growth in the number of camera sensors on vehicles, precision calibration tasks had become increasingly complicated:

• - The reliance on traditional marker-based calibration methods necessitated a two-person team: one for handling the markers and another to operate the system.
• - Working outdoors, especially during the winter months, imposed notable physical burdens on the workers.
• - Proper positioning and angle adjustments of markers required significant technical expertise, leading to prolonged training periods and a steep learning curve for operators.
• - Minor discrepancies in positioning could lead to significant variations in calibration accuracy, creating a ripple effect that impacted downstream processes.

Benefits of Implementing Morpho Visual Calibrator™

The introduction of the Morpho Visual Calibrator™ has led to impressive benefits for Tier IV:

• - With the capability to calibrate all cameras simultaneously, the overall labor and time required for calibration tasks have been substantially reduced.
• - The system includes a reliability evaluation feature, which allows for objective accuracy assessments, transitioning the evaluation process from subjective to data-driven metrics, enhancing calibration reliability.
• - The need for a two-person team has been eliminated, resulting in reduced burdens associated with outdoor labor.
• - The reliance on specialized calibration skills has diminished, fostering a more streamlined and efficient process.

Insights from Tier IV Developers

Tomoya Muraki, a member of the Mobility Application Division at Tier IV, expressed his enthusiasm about the PoC (Proof of Concept) conducted with Morpho:

“We found that the accuracy achieved with the Morpho solution is on par with traditional methods. This capability to calibrate all cameras at once is expected to lead to significant labor reductions. Furthermore, the reliability evaluation feature allows for quantitative quality management, enabling us to maintain stable calibration outcomes.”

Additionally, Tomoya Kimura, the Product Manager at Tier IV, emphasized the importance of camera calibration technology in their diverse vehicle architectures, stating,

“Our company is keen on incorporating this technology across various vehicles to enhance our autonomous systems.”

About Tier IV

Founded in December 2015 and located in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Tier IV specializes in the development of autonomous driving platforms, web services, and educational initiatives surrounding self-driving technologies. With approximately 450 employees, the company has become pivotal in shaping the autonomous vehicle landscape in Japan. For those interested in learning more about Tier IV, visit their website at tier4.jp.

About Morpho

Morpho has been at the forefront of image processing and AI technology since its inception in May 2004. With a mission focused on advancing AI-driven innovations, Morpho's solutions play a crucial role across various industries, including automotive, IoT, and consumer electronics. For more information, check their website at morphoinc.com.

By introducing innovative technologies like the Morpho Visual Calibrator™, Morpho continues to lead the way in enhancing the capabilities of autonomous driving, thus contributing to a future of safer and more accessible transportation.