3D Imaging Correction via Depth-Aware Distortion Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image acquisition and post-processing technologies lack sufficient information to effectively correct complex artifacts and abnormalities in images, particularly due to limitations in understanding physical phenomena like specular reflection, shadows, and occlusion, which are influenced by the position and intensity of the light source.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes 3D information and a distortion model to correct optical images by combining depth maps with prior knowledge of the camera and light source, allowing for more accurate modeling and correction of image distortions, including specular reflections and shadows, through the use of optical and light-field cameras, and deformation models to adjust image parameters and reduce artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated processing algorithms are used to correct images, then image processing speed is improved, but image accuracy deteriorates due to misrepresentation of underlying information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distortion model as an intermediary that uses depth map information to physically understand and correct image artifacts. Instead of direct automated correction that misrepresents information, the distortion model acts as a mediator that interprets the physical causes of artifacts (specular reflection, shadows, occlusion) and applies appropriate corrections, thereby maintaining both processing efficiency and image accuracy.
2Device complexity
If single camera images are used for correction, then device complexity is reduced, but correction capability deteriorates due to insufficient information about physical phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D single camera images to 3D depth maps by adding a temporal or spatial dimension. The depth map provides additional dimensional information about the scene geometry, enabling the system to understand and correct artifacts caused by lighting and surface orientation. This dimensional enhancement allows accurate correction of specular reflections, shadows, and occlusions without requiring multiple physical cameras.
3Measurement precision
If depth sensing is added to the imaging system, then image correction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the depth map serve multiple functions: it provides geometric information for correcting specular reflections, determines surface orientation for shadow correction, and identifies occlusion boundaries. This multi-functionality allows a single depth sensing component to address multiple types of image artifacts, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for corrected imaging including an optical camera that captures at least one optical image of an area of interest, a depth sensor that captures at least one depth map of the area of interest, and circuitry that correlates depth information of the at least one depth map to the at least one optical image to generate a depth image, corrects the at least one optical image by applying a model to address alteration in the respective at least one optical image, the model using information from the depth image, and outputs the corrected at least one optical image for display in 2D and/or as a 3D surface.