Camera Lens Characterization via Digital Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera lenses are expensive and their quality can be adversely affected by various optical performance factors, making it difficult for photographers to accurately assess and compare their performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for measuring and analyzing optical characteristics of camera lenses, including sharpness, chromatic aberration, distortion, and vignetting, using test images and image processing techniques, allowing users to experiment with lens parameters and compare different lenses via an interactive user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If lens quality is improved through better optical performance, then image quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual lens evaluation processes with automated computer-based analysis systems. The system uses digital image processing algorithms to objectively measure optical characteristics, substituting subjective human assessment with mechanical/automated measurement systems that provide consistent, quantifiable data about lens performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms qualitative lens quality assessment into quantitative parameter measurement. By defining specific measurable parameters (sharpness, distortion, chromatic aberration, vignetting) and using computational methods to evaluate them, the system converts subjective quality judgments into objective numerical data that can be systematically compared across different lenses.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive lens testing is performed to assess optical characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional testing system that can evaluate multiple lens characteristics (sharpness, distortion, chromatic aberration, vignetting) using a single integrated platform. The same basic system architecture and image processing pipeline are used across different measurement types, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized devices for each measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the camera's own imaging capabilities to perform self-testing and characterization. By capturing test images through the lens being evaluated and processing them computationally, the system eliminates the need for external specialized measurement equipment, allowing the imaging system to characterize itself.
3Loss of information
If multiple lens parameters are tested and analyzed, then information completeness is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary computational processing of test images to extract multiple lens characteristics simultaneously. By pre-processing the captured images through various analysis algorithms (edge detection for sharpness, grid analysis for distortion, color channel separation for chromatic aberration), the system obtains comprehensive lens data from a single test image capture, reducing the need for multiple separate testing sessions.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for analyzing camera lenses and presenting information regarding camera lenses performance are described. An interactive user interface is provided over a network for display on a user terminal by a computer system. A user request is received at the computer system from the user terminal for lens data from a first lens. Lens data, including test data obtained via a first digital image captured using the first lens at the first focal length setting and the first aperture setting is accessed from memory and transmitted to interactive user interface. The interactive user interface is configured to display an identification of the first camera body, an identification of the first lens, the first focal length setting used to capture the image, and the first aperture setting used to capture the image. Using the lens test data, the interactive user interface generates and displays sharpness graph data.