Camera-Specific Optical Center Measurement for Lens Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera calibration techniques, such as checkerboard calibration, are tedious and may result in inaccurate distortion correction due to variations in optical alignment between the lens and image sensor, especially in large volumes of cameras, leading to manufacturing inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A camera-specific optical center measurement approach is used to correct distortion by measuring the actual optical center of each camera relative to its image sensor, allowing for high-accuracy distortion correction without structured calibration techniques, and storing this data for individual cameras to ensure consistent and efficient manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional checkerboard calibration techniques are used, then distortion correction can be achieved, but the process is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential calibration information by measuring only the optical center position using a laser alignment tool, eliminating the need for complex structured calibration patterns like checkerboards. This extraction of the critical parameter (optical center) alone enables sufficient distortion correction without the time-consuming full calibration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically measuring the optical center and computing distortion correction parameters without requiring manual intervention or complex calibration procedures. The camera system can determine its own distortion characteristics through automated optical center measurement and coordinate transformation.
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration techniques are used, then distortion correction can be achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential calibration parameter (optical center position) using simple laser alignment tools, eliminating the need for expensive complex calibration equipment and procedures. This selective extraction of critical information reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining sufficient distortion correction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive laser alignment tools and simple coordinate measurement methods instead of expensive specialized calibration equipment. The approach replaces costly traditional calibration systems with affordable alternatives that achieve the same functional result.
3Productivity
If traditional calibration techniques are used, then distortion correction can be achieved, but accuracy decreases due to optical alignment variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by measuring and correcting distortion specifically at the optical center location rather than attempting uniform calibration across the entire field of view. By focusing calibration efforts on the critical optical center region and using coordinate transformations tailored to each camera's specific alignment, the system achieves high accuracy despite manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the calibration parameter from complex multi-parameter traditional calibration to a simplified optical center position measurement. By transforming the problem to measure only the optical center coordinates and using these to derive distortion correction parameters through mathematical transformation, the system achieves both high accuracy and manufacturing efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A camera includes an image sensor, a lens, memory, and a controller. The lens is positioned to direct object light from a scene onto the image sensor. The memory is configured to store a camera-specific optical center of the lens relative to the image sensor. The camera-specific optical center is measured after a position of the lens is center fixed relative to a position of the image sensor. The controller is configured to acquire a raw image of the scene via the image sensor and generate a distortion corrected image from the raw image based on at least the camera-specific optical center.