Aberration Table Lens Emulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in easily emulating virtual lenses for generating images that appear to be captured through different lenses, requiring complex settings and processes.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves generating an aberration table based on the selected lens and using a multi-view image to perform a light focusing process, thereby simplifying the lens emulation process by reducing the need to set aberration-related parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If virtual lens emulation is performed using conventional methods, then lens emulation functionality is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of lens emulationVSAvoidcomplexity of aberration parameter settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy of lens characteristics through aberration tables that store pre-calculated aberration data. Instead of requiring users to manually set complex aberration parameters, the system copies the optical characteristics of different lenses into standardized tables that can be easily selected and applied, transforming a complex parameter-setting task into a simple selection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calculation and storage of aberration data by pre-computing aberration tables for various lens types and conditions. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time complex calculations during lens emulation, allowing users to simply select from pre-prepared aberration profiles rather than dealing with the underlying mathematical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple lens types are emulated with full parameter control, then emulation accuracy is improved, but the time required for setup and operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of lens emulationVSAvoidtime for parameter setting
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores aberration data for multiple lens types in standardized tables during the product development phase. This preliminary action ensures that when users need to emulate different lenses, they can immediately select from pre-prepared accurate profiles without spending time on complex parameter calculations, thus maintaining high emulation accuracy while minimizing setup time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the continuous range of possible aberration parameters into discrete, standardized aberration table entries. By changing parameters from continuous user-adjustable values to discrete pre-defined table selections, the system maintains emulation accuracy across multiple lens types while dramatically reducing the time required for parameter setting and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive aberration parameters are manually configured, then lens emulation precision is improved, but the operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of lens emulationVSAvoidease of parameter configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent copies the complex multi-parameter aberration characteristics of physical lenses into standardized aberration tables with simplified identifiers. This copying process preserves the precision of lens emulation by maintaining the underlying aberration data while presenting a simplified interface where users can select lens types without manually configuring each aberration parameter, thus achieving both precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces aberration tables as an intermediary layer between the user and the complex aberration parameters. These tables act as a mediator that translates simple lens type selections into the appropriate combination of aberration parameters, allowing users to achieve precise lens emulation without directly interacting with the complex parameter configuration, thereby improving both precision and ease of operation simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for easier and more efficient lens emulation, enabling the reproduction of captured images with diverse optical specifications, such as higher resolution or wider angles, at a lower cost.

Implementation Method 1

an aberration table as a table including the converging ray vectors derived from aberrations of a lens selected through a user interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical aberration:

Implementation Method 2

a light focusing process to be performed by use of the aberration table and a multi-view image, thereby generating a captured image taken through the selected lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP4106313B1Image processing device
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP4106313B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4106313B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4106313B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program for performing lens emulation more easily. An aberration table is generated as a table including converging ray vectors derived from aberrations of a lens selected through a user interface and targeted for emulation. A light focusing process is performed to generate a virtual captured image taken of an object through the selected lens, by use of the aberration table and a multi-view image. The present disclosure may be applied, for example, to image processing apparatuses, information processing apparatuses, imaging apparatuses, electronic devices, information processing methods, or programs.