Scanning Folded Camera POV Aberration Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Folded digital cameras suffer from point of view (POV) aberrations that cause images to be tilted, rotated, and scaled, leading to distorted views regardless of the point of view.

Innovation Solution

A digital algorithm is applied to correct POV aberrations by using geometric transformations, such as homography, and calibration data to achieve aberration-free images, followed by cropping and scaling to maintain consistent aspect ratios and sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the OPFE is rotated to scan a wider field of view, then the scanning Tele FOV is improved, but POV aberrations worsen causing image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning Tele FOVVSAvoidimage distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical correction methods with digital image processing. Instead of physically correcting the optical path, the system captures images with POV aberrations and then digitally corrects them using algorithms that apply geometric transformations and perspective corrections based on calibration data, thereby achieving wide FOV scanning without mechanical distortion correction limitations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the image data through digital processing. By adjusting geometric transformation parameters, perspective correction factors, and scaling parameters based on the OPFE rotation angle, the system transforms distorted images into corrected output images, maintaining the wide FOV capability while eliminating distortion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If digital algorithm correction is applied to fix POV aberrations, then image distortion is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage distortionVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calibration to create lookup tables and transformation parameters before actual image capture. The calibration process pre-computes the relationship between OPFE rotation angles and corresponding perspective transformations, so that during normal operation the system only needs to apply pre-computed corrections rather than perform complex real-time calculations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the calibration data and transformation parameters that can be applied to correct images. Instead of physically modifying the optical system, the system uses software-based copies of corrected geometric relationships to transform distorted images, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining correction precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12568311B2Point of view aberrations correction in a scanning folded camera

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 COREPHOTONICS

AI summary

Systems and methods for correcting point of view (POV) aberrations in scanning folded cameras and multi-cameras including such scanning folded cameras. In a Tele folded camera that includes an optical path folding element (OPFE) and an image sensor, the OPFE is tilted in one or two directions to direct the Tele folded camera towards a POV of a scene, a Tele image or a stream of Tele images is captured from the POV, the Tele image having POV aberrations and the POV aberrations are digitally corrected to obtain an aberration-corrected image or stream of images.