Anamorphic Lens Aberration for Single-Sensor Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle driving assistance systems require multiple cameras or image sensors to detect objects at different distances and angles, leading to inefficiencies and high costs, as existing solutions either fail to provide simultaneous detection of distant and close objects or compromise on image quality and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a single digital imaging device with an anamorphic lens that introduces predetermined aberration for a constant angular resolution in the central image zone and variable angular resolution in the edge zone, combined with an infrared filter for enhanced object detection, allowing detection of both distant and near objects with moderate cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small aperture field is used, then detection of distant objects in the center of the image is improved, but detection of close objects at the edge of the field deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the optical properties for different regions of the image field. The anamorphic lens introduces controlled aberrations specifically in peripheral zones while maintaining quality in the central zone. This allows the system to optimize for distant object detection in the center while still providing adequate edge coverage, resolving the contradiction between central precision and edge adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger opening angle is used, then detection of close objects at the edge of the field is improved, but detection of distant objects deteriorates due to reduced pixel representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by making the optical characteristics position-dependent across the image field. The anamorphic lens creates zone-specific aberration patterns that allow larger effective aperture angles for edge regions while preserving sufficient angular resolution in the central region for distant object detection. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between edge adaptability and central measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras or image sensors are used to detect objects at different distances and angles, then detection coverage is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single image sensor system that performs multiple detection functions simultaneously. The anamorphic lens enables one camera to handle both central and peripheral detection zones with different optical characteristics, replacing the need for multiple dedicated cameras. This multi-functional approach reduces system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an expensive image sensor with a large number of pixels or a zoom lens is used, then simultaneous provision of images for different opening fields is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the optical parameters of the imaging system through the anamorphic lens. Instead of changing the sensor resolution or using zoom mechanisms, the system changes the angular distribution parameters across different field zones. This allows a standard-resolution sensor to effectively provide different opening fields for different regions, reducing cost while maintaining versatility.
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
Enables effective detection of objects across varying distances and angles using a single image sensor, improving the robustness and cost-effectiveness of driving assistance systems by maintaining high resolution for both central and edge image areas.
Implementation Method 1
the aberration introduced into the image is predetermined in such a way so as to obtain a substantially constant first angular resolution for a first sector of the optical aperture field of the anamorphic lens corresponding to the first image area and a second variable angular resolution for a second sector of the optical aperture field
Implementation Method 2
the infrared filter comprises at least two zones in which distinct filtering is provided, a first zone corresponding to the upper part of the image and in which the infrared rays undergo substantially no filtering and a second zone corresponding to the upper part of the image bottom of the image and in which the infrared rays are filtered substantially entirely
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
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AI summary
The method according to the invention comprises the steps of: - acquisition (E1) by means of a digital imaging device of a digital image with aberration of a scene, the digital image incorporating at least a first and a second image area, the first and second image areas having respectively at least a first resolution and at least a second resolution, the first and second resolutions being different; - calculation (E2) of a deployed digital image, by deploying at least one area of the digital image with aberration; - application (E3a, E3b) of an object detection algorithm in the deployed digital image; and - provision (E4) of information on each object detected in the deployed digital image.