Digital Zoom Lens Mapping Function for Geometric Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges with geometric distortion in wide-angle lenses, particularly in applications like endoscopes and automotive cameras, where maintaining a wide field of view while reducing distortion is crucial, and existing algorithms require extensive data from broad lens areas or are specific to each lens design.
Innovation Solution
A new method for digital zooming that preserves the overall field of view by processing images using a novel lens mapping function characterized by two parameters, allowing for smooth transitions between central and peripheral areas, and enabling simulation of different lens designs without physical changes to the probe or camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical zoom is used to change focal length, then the field of view changes, but the ability to see both full field of view and zoomed-in areas simultaneously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the image data by storing the complete wide-angle image and then generating a zoomed-in version through digital processing. This allows the system to present both the full field of view and zoomed-in areas without physically changing the optical path, effectively copying the complete scene data for flexible viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from optical zooming (changing focal length) to digital zooming (changing the region of interest in image space). By working in the image data dimension rather than the optical dimension, the system can zoom into specific areas while maintaining the complete field of view context, adding a new dimension to how zooming is achieved.
2Measurement precision
If custom lens algorithms are designed for each lens design, then accurate correction is achieved, but device complexity and development time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal lens mapping function that can describe the behavior of multiple different lens designs using a single mathematical model. This function takes parameters such as focal length and distortion characteristics and can accurately map images from various lens types, eliminating the need to create separate correction algorithms for each lens design while maintaining high correction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing custom algorithms for each lens, the system uses a universal mapping function that adapts to different lens characteristics by changing parameters such as focal length and distortion coefficients. This allows the same core algorithm to work across multiple lens designs by simply adjusting the input parameters rather than rewriting the correction logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical lens changes are made to simulate different lens designs, then lens versatility is achieved, but the complexity of procedures and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of different lens designs through software algorithms rather than physically changing the optical components. By storing the characteristics of multiple lens designs and applying the appropriate mapping function to the image data, the system can simulate different lens behaviors without touching the physical probe, thereby maintaining versatility while eliminating the complexity and contamination risks associated with physical lens changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system and method of application, including lens designs tailored to be used with particular transformation algorithms, electronic hardware and algorithms for image transformations is described. Exemplary application of the system including automotive, photographic and medical endoscopic are also described. The system enables improved image view and allows customization of views by the end user even after installation of the image system hardware.