ColorChecker 24: The Complete Guide for Photographers, Filmmakers & Vision Engineers
The ColorChecker 24 has been around since 1976. Half a century later, photographers, filmmakers, and machine vision engineers still reach for it as the first tool to fix color problems. I’ve spent years making these charts at CalibVision. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what the 24 patches actually do, how to use one […]
3D Machine Vision Imaging Methods: A Complete Comparison Guide (2026)
There are four mainstream methods for 3D imaging in machine vision — stereo vision, structured light, time-of-flight (ToF), and laser triangulation. Each has distinct strengths in accuracy, speed, range, and cost. This guide breaks down how they work, when to use them, and why calibration quality is the foundation of every 3D vision system.
Dot Grid vs. Checkerboard: Which Calibration Target Is Right for Your Machine Vision System?
If you’re setting up a machine vision system — whether it’s for factory inspection, robotics, or 3D measurement — you’ve probably run into one question pretty quickly: Should I use a dot grid or a checkerboard calibration target? It sounds like a simple choice. But the wrong target can cost you hours of rework, inconsistent […]
Laser Triangulation Calibration: Why Coating Matters More Than You Think
Laser triangulation systems rely on accurate calibration to convert pixel data into real-world measurements. However, many calibration issues are caused not by algorithms, but by the calibration target itself—especially its surface coating. This article explains the key requirements for calibration targets, compares different coating options, and shows why Brown Chrome is often the most reliable choice for stable and accurate measurements.
What Is the Best Checkerboard Size for OpenCV Camera Calibration?
If you’ve set up an OpenCV camera calibration pipeline, this question comes up fast: What size checkerboard should I actually use? The short answer is: there’s no single “best” size. The right dimensions depend on your camera, your working distance, and what level of accuracy you need. But there are clear guidelines that most engineers […]
Why Calibration Target Quality Matters: Manufacturing Standards That Ensure Accuracy
Introduction In the world of precision optical measurement, the calibration target is the foundation upon which all accuracy depends. Whether you’re calibrating cameras for autonomous vehicles, setting up stereo vision systems for robotics, or conducting research in machine vision, the quality of your calibration target directly determines the reliability of your results. Yet not all […]
Diffuse Reflectance Standards for LiDAR and Camera Calibration: Complete Selection Guide
When it comes to calibrating optical measurement systems—from LiDAR sensors in autonomous vehicles to quality control cameras in manufacturing—precision matters. That’s where diffuse reflectance standards come in. These calibration targets provide the reference points that ensure your optical systems measure light accurately and consistently. What Are Diffuse Reflectance Standards? Diffuse reflectance standards are precision-engineered surfaces […]
Diffuse Reflectance Standards FAQ: 20 Expert Answers to Common Questions
Last Updated: January 2025 | Reading Time: 16 minutes Introduction “Can I use a photography gray card to calibrate my $100,000 LiDAR sensor?” This question—asked by an engineer at a major automotive supplier in 2023—led to three months of invalid testing, a delayed product launch, and $2.3 million in re-work costs. The answer? Absolutely not. […]