Dynamic Polynomial Order Selection for Lens Distortion Correction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatuses face increased processing time due to errors between conversion and inverse functions used for distortion correction in optical systems, particularly with super-wide angle lenses that cause significant distortion aberration.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that employs n-order and m-order polynomial functions for conversion and inverse conversion, respectively, to calculate pixel positions and values, reducing processing time by optimizing the order of these functions based on correction data to minimize conversion errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional distortion correction methods using conversion and inverse functions are used, then distortion correction can be achieved, but processing time increases due to errors between the conversion function and inverse function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistortion correction accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of polynomial order from fixed to variable, selecting different orders (n for conversion function, m for inverse function) based on the specific correction data being processed. This optimization minimizes conversion errors while reducing processing time by avoiding unnecessary high-order calculations when lower orders suffice.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic selection of polynomial orders adaptively matching the complexity of correction data. Instead of using a static high-order polynomial for all cases, the system dynamically adjusts the order parameters to match the actual distortion characteristics, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If high-order polynomial functions are used for distortion correction, then conversion accuracy improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel position calculation accuracyVSAvoiddistortion correction throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the polynomial order parameters by selecting the minimum necessary order that achieves acceptable conversion accuracy for each specific correction data set. This prevents unnecessary computational overhead from excessively high-order polynomials while maintaining required precision levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary polynomial order required for adequate correction accuracy rather than consistently applying excessive high-order polynomials. This selective approach maintains productivity while achieving sufficient precision for practical applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11024015B2Image processing apparatus and distortion correction coefficient calculation method
Publication Date: 2021.06.01 KK TOSHIBA
  • US11024015B2 patent drawing
  • US11024015B2 patent drawing
  • US11024015B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes an input buffer, a processor configured to convert a position of an input pixel of an input image received into the input buffer into a first pixel position of an output image using a first conversion function, convert a position of an output pixel in a vicinity of the first pixel position of the output image into a second pixel position of the input image using a second conversion function, calculate a pixel value of the second pixel position by interpolation using pixels of the input image that are in a vicinity of the second pixel position of the input image, and output the position of the output pixel as a corrected position of the input pixel and the calculated pixel value as a pixel value at the corrected position.