Image Correction System for Tilt and Non-Linear Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image correction systems fail to effectively eliminate distortion in captured images due to tilt and uneven projection surfaces, leading to linear and non-linear distortions in projected images.

Innovation Solution

An image correction system comprising an image-capturing unit, a tilt recognition unit, a first correction unit, and a second correction unit that acquires and corrects captured images by recognizing tilt and non-linear distortions, using accelerometers and projection transformation matrices to generate corrected images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a captured image is used to correct distortion in a projected image, then non-linear distortion due to uneven projection surfaces can be corrected, but linear distortion occurs in the corrected image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistortion correction accuracyVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides distortion correction into two separate segments: first correction for linear distortion caused by tilt, and second correction for non-linear distortion caused by uneven projection surfaces. This segmentation allows each type of distortion to be corrected independently with appropriate methods, preventing the introduction of new distortions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary tilt recognition and linear distortion correction before using the captured image for non-linear distortion correction. By preliminarily correcting the linear distortion, the captured image becomes a reliable reference that won't introduce additional linear distortion during the subsequent non-linear distortion correction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the projection apparatus is not directly opposite to the projection surface, then flexibility in projection positioning is improved, but linear distortion occurs in the projected image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection positioning flexibilityVSAvoidimage geometry accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a tilt recognition unit to detect the actual tilt state of the projection apparatus, and feeds this information back to a first correction unit that applies appropriate linear distortion correction. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain image geometry accuracy regardless of the projection apparatus's positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of image geometry by applying tilt-based linear distortion correction. The correction amount and direction are determined by the detected tilt parameters, allowing the system to compensate for geometric distortion while maintaining positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If a captured image with linear distortion is used for correction, then non-linear distortion correction can be performed, but the correction accuracy deteriorates due to compounded distortions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-linear distortion correctionVSAvoiddistortion measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary correction of linear distortion in the captured image before using it as a reference for non-linear distortion correction. This preliminary action ensures that the captured image accurately represents the projection surface geometry without being corrupted by linear distortion, thereby maintaining high measurement precision for non-linear distortion correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system effectively eliminates distortion in captured images, ensuring that projected images are accurately represented without linear or non-linear distortions, thereby improving image quality.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing accelerometers and projection transformation matrices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9443294B2Image correction system, image correction method, and computer program product

Publication Date: 2016.09.13 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

This invention is concerning an image correction system that includes an image-capturing unit configured to acquire a captured image by capturing a subject; a tilt recognition unit configured to recognize tilt of an image-capturing direction of the image-capturing unit relative to an image-capturing direction in which the image-capturing unit being directly opposite to the subject captures the subject; a first correction unit configured to generate a corrected image by correcting distortion in the captured image due to the tilt; and a second correction unit configured to acquire a corrected captured image by correcting non-linear distortion in the corrected image.