Image Processing Apparatus Coordinate Transformation Resolution Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques face challenges in obtaining high-quality restored images due to variations in resolution depending on the direction caused by imaging lenses and distortion in optical systems, leading to complex and slow processing methods.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that performs coordinate transformation to align sagittal and tangential resolutions, allowing for a rotationally-symmetric resolution enhancement process using a rotationally-symmetric filter, thereby simplifying the processing and maintaining high-quality image restoration without the need for filter conversion based on distortion correction conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a two-step filter process is performed to correct MTF mismatch and perform restoration, then the restoration quality is improved, but the processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the MTF correction filter and restoration filter into a single integrated filter that performs both functions simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for sequential two-step processing, reducing computational complexity while maintaining the quality improvements of both correction and restoration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal filter that serves multiple purposes: it corrects MTF mismatch, performs image restoration, and handles distortion correction all in one operation. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized filters with a single comprehensive solution.
2Ease of manufacture
If distortion correction is performed after point image restoration, then the restoration process can use a simple filter, but the overall processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs distortion correction as a preliminary step before restoration filtering, rather than after. By pre-correcting the distorted image coordinates, the subsequent restoration can use simpler rotationally-symmetric filters without needing to compensate for distortion, reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional sequence of restoration then distortion correction, the patent inverts the order by applying distortion correction first, then restoration. This reversal allows the restoration filter to operate on already-corrected coordinates, simplifying the filter design and reducing computational burden.
3Measurement precision
If a rotationally-asymmetric filter is used for restoration in distorted images, then the restoration accuracy is improved, but the processing speed and simplicity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies distortion correction beforehand to transform the image into a coordinate system where rotationally-symmetric filters can be used effectively. This preliminary transformation enables the use of computationally efficient symmetric filters while maintaining restoration accuracy that would otherwise require complex asymmetric filters.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes an image acquisition unit that acquires a captured image of an object captured through an imaging lens, a coordinate transformation unit that performs coordinate transformation for the captured image such that a sagittal resolution in a direction tangent to circumference having a center of an imaging surface as an origin and a tangential resolution in a radial direction perpendicular to the tangential direction are close to each other at a designated spatial frequency, and a resolution enhancement processing unit that performs a rotationally-symmetric resolution enhancement process for the coordinate-transformed image. According to this aspect, a rotationally-symmetric filter can be used for the resolution enhancement process. It is possible to prevent an increase in filter size or to perform a process at a high speed. It is possible to prevent a process from being complicated due to the use of the filter for coordinate transformation.