Fisheye Lens Attachment With 3D Remapping for Undistorted Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fisheye lenses capture expansive scenes but introduce significant visual distortions, making it difficult to accurately view and follow objects across video frames.
Innovation Solution
An image capture device with a fisheye lens attachment and a processor that maps distorted fisheye frames to a three-dimensional coordinate space, normalizing pixels to a two-dimensional projection without distortions, mimicking a traditional pinhole lens view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a fisheye lens is used to capture expansive scenes, then the field of view is widened, but visual distortions are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the two-dimensional distorted fisheye image into a three-dimensional representation by mapping pixels to a 3D coordinate system. This allows the distorted radial coordinates to be converted into undistorted perspective projections by projecting the 3D points onto a 2D plane, effectively removing distortions through dimensional transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical mechanical system (fisheye lens) with a computational system. Instead of using a traditional pinhole lens that naturally produces undistorted images, the system uses a fisheye lens to capture expansive views and then applies computational algorithms to mathematically remove distortions, substituting optical precision with computational correction.
2Manufacturing precision
If a traditional pinhole lens is used, then image distortion is minimized, but the field of view is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal image capture system that can function in two modes: using a traditional pinhole lens for narrow-field undistorted views, or using a fisheye lens attachment for wide-field views that are subsequently corrected computationally. This multi-functionality allows the same camera system to achieve both narrow undistorted views and wide undistorted views depending on the lens attachment used.
3Area of moving object
If a fisheye lens attachment is added to widen field of view, then expansive areas can be captured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into separate functional components: a base camera with a traditional pinhole lens, and an optional fisheye lens attachment. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a simple base design while adding wide-angle capability through a removable attachment, reducing overall device complexity compared to integrating a complex wide-angle lens system permanently.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides undistorted two-dimensional projections of fisheye frames, enhancing image clarity and enabling accurate tracking of objects across wider fields of view.
Implementation Method 1
a lens attachment that directs light rays from the lens of the camera across a wider field of view
Implementation Method 2
The processor generates a two-dimensional projection of the video frame by mapping pixels of the video frame from the three-dimensional coordinate space
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device includes a camera that captures video frames of a scene surrounding the camera. The image capture device further includes a lens attachment that directs light rays from the lens of the camera across a wider field of view than the lens of the camera. The image capture device further includes a housing that removably couples the lens attachment to the camera. The image capture device further includes a processor communicatively coupled to the camera. The processor receives a video frame captured by the camera through the lens attachment and generates a two-dimensional projection of the video frame by mapping pixels of the video frame from the three-dimensional coordinate space to a two-dimensional coordinate space.