Camera Lens Distortion Correction via Geodesic Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera calibration methods are inadequate for addressing distortion in images, especially in wide-angle lenses, and are unreliable when applied to arrays of cameras or systems measuring motion, which is critical for applications like Augmented Reality and Autonomous Navigation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for calibrating cameras that corrects lens distortion by fitting geodesics in images, determining connection equations, and generating undistorted images, independent of camera intrinsic and extrinsic parameters, using a lookup table and linear regression, and applies this calibration in real-time for arrays of cameras with fields of view exceeding 180 degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional calibration methods are used, then the calibration process is simple, but lens distortion cannot be effectively corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is segmented into distinct phases: detecting straight lines in the image, fitting geodesics to these lines, determining connection equations, and calculating distortion coefficients. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently while maintaining overall accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary detection of straight lines and fitting of geodesics before calculating the final distortion correction. By preparing the geodesic connections in advance, the actual distortion correction can be applied more accurately and efficiently.
2Area of stationary object
If wide-angle lenses are used to maximize field of view, then the field of view increases, but lens distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method changes the parameter representation by using geodesic connections and connection equations to model distortion, rather than relying on traditional polynomial models. This allows accurate correction even for extreme wide-angle lenses with fields of view exceeding 180 degrees.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mechanical distortion correction through lens design, the method substitutes a computational approach based on geodesic geometry and connection equations to correct distortion digitally, enabling wide-angle lenses to achieve high precision.
3Reliability
If traditional calibration methods are applied to camera arrays, then the process can be performed, but reliability decreases for systems measuring motion
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration method is designed to be universal, working for both single cameras and camera arrays, and for both static imaging and dynamic motion measurement applications. The geodesic-based approach provides consistent accuracy across different system configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The method uses detected straight lines and fitted geodesics as feedback to iteratively refine the distortion model. This feedback mechanism ensures high reliability for motion measurement by continuously validating the calibration against geometric constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for correcting distortion in a camera lens. The methods can include receiving at least one image of a calibration object, in which the image is captured via the camera lens and the lens has lens distortion. The methods can further include fitting a plurality of geodesics in the image; determining at least one connection equation for the plurality of geodesics; and determining a metric based on the connection equation, the metric comprising a first distorted radial coordinate. The methods can further include determining an undistorted radial coordinate based on the first distorted radial coordinate; determining a second distorted radial coordinate as a function of the undistorted radial coordinate; inverting the undistorted radial coordinate; and generating an undistorted image based on the inverted undistorted radial coordinate.