Camera Lens Calibration
Significant Changes in LightBurn 2.1
LightBurn 2.1 introduced a new camera system, with new features, a new interface, and new calibration and alignment processes. Information from earlier versions of LightBurn may not apply in LightBurn 2.1, and information for working with cameras in LightBurn 2.1 may not apply to earlier versions.
Before you can use your camera, you'll need to calibrate it to compensate for the distortion present in all camera lenses using the Camera Lens Calibration Wizard. The wizard will walk you through the process of capturing a series of images of a printed target so LightBurn can calculate and correct for the distortion of the camera lens.
Before You Begin¶
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Download and print the AprilTag calibration pattern. If you don't have a paper printer or struggle to get a clear print, try taking the file to a print shop, office supply store, or local library to get it printed.
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Mount the printed calibration pattern to something stiff and flat, such as cardboard, wood, or a clipboard.
- Make sure the bed of your laser has good, consistent lighting and the camera is in focus. If you're using an official LightBurn camera, most can be manually focused by gently twisting their lenses.
- Select the correct camera in the Cameras window.
- You do not need to have your camera mounted in the machine as long as it's perfectly still. You will need to have it mounted in the correct placement for the Alignment process, though, so it may make sense to make sure it's installed now.
Walkthrough¶
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Open the Camera Lens Calibration Wizard by clicking the Lens Calibration icon in the Cameras window or by going to Laser Tools → Calibrate Camera Lens and selecting the camera you want to calibrate. At any point in the process, you can use the Jogging controls on the left side of the window to move the laser head out of your way.
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Capture at least nine calibration frames, although more frames will further improve accuracy. Follow this process, and click Next when you're done:
- Put the printed calibration pattern in the camera view. Make sure it's well-lit and in focus and covering at least ⅓ of the ccamera image.
- Click Capture
- Reposition and repeat.
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On the next screen, use the dropdown in the bottom left corner to preview the results of different camera styles. If you're unsure of what camera type you have, choose the one that gives you the most accurate results. You may want to have a ruler or another rectangular object in your laser to see distortion more easily.
What's Happening¶
You can skip this section if you're not interested.
All cameras distort the image they capture at least a little, and the larger the area they can capture, the more serious that warping is. Wide-angle or fisheye lenses that can capture large workspaces from relatively close will be particularly badly distorted.
The Camera Lens Calibration process is required so that LightBurn can figure out the distortion pattern of your particular camera and correct for it in the software. The AprilTag calibration pattern you use for this process is important for the improved process, and allows for a simplified calibration process compared to the older dot pattern.
Next - Alignment¶
After you're done with Lens Calibration, you'll need to move on to Camera Alignment.
For more help using LightBurn, please visit our forum to talk with LightBurn staff and users, or email support.