Imaging System Using Longitudinal Chromatic Aberrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems with non-colour-corrected lenses suffer from longitudinal chromatic aberrations, leading to issues with depth of field and image quality, particularly under varying light conditions, as different colours focus at different distances, causing chromatic aberrations and colour bleeding effects.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that includes a non-colour-corrected lens unit with longitudinal chromatic aberrations and a processing unit that computes broadband luminance and chrominance information to correct chromatic aberrations, generate depth maps, and synthesize output images with enhanced depth of field and reduced computational effort, using techniques like deconvolution and interpolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a non-colour-corrected lens unit with longitudinal chromatic aberrations is used, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to chromatic aberrations and colour bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical correction mechanisms with digital image processing. Instead of using additional lens elements or optical coatings to correct chromatic aberrations, the system captures images with a simple non-colour-corrected lens and then applies computational algorithms to detect and correct chromatic aberrations and color bleeding in the digital domain, thereby maintaining simple hardware while achieving high image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing unit as an intermediary between the lens unit and the final image output. This intermediary component captures the chromatic aberrations and color bleeding caused by the simple lens, then applies computational corrections to produce high-quality images, effectively mediating between the simple optical system and the requirement for high image quality
2Manufacturing precision
If chromatic aberration correction is applied through traditional optical means, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical correction mechanisms with digital image processing. Instead of using additional lens elements or optical coatings to correct chromatic aberrations, the system captures images with a simple non-colour-corrected lens and then applies computational algorithms to detect and correct chromatic aberrations and color bleeding in the digital domain, thereby maintaining simple hardware while achieving high image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from optical parameter correction to digital parameter processing. Rather than modifying optical parameters through additional lens elements, the system captures the aberrations and then adjusts color channels, sharpness, and other image parameters through digital processing to correct the defects
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple colour planes are processed to correct chromatic aberrations, then image quality is improved, but computational effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial correction by focusing computational resources on the most problematic aspects of chromatic aberration and color bleeding rather than attempting complete correction of all spectral components. The processing unit identifies and corrects the most significant artifacts while accepting minor residual effects, thereby achieving good image quality with reduced computational effort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local correction by targeting specific regions and color channels that exhibit the most severe chromatic aberrations and color bleeding. Rather than uniformly processing all color planes throughout the entire image, the system identifies problematic areas and applies correction algorithms selectively, reducing overall computational effort while maintaining image quality
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 achieves improved image quality with reduced computational effort by correcting chromatic aberrations and providing enhanced depth of field, making it suitable for various lighting conditions without significant degradation in image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a non-colour-corrected lens unit with longitudinal chromatic aberrations
Implementation Method 2
different colours focus at different distances, causing chromatic aberrations
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3A
AI summary
The lens unit (120) of an imaging unit (100) features longitudinal chromatic aberration. From an imaged scene, an imaging sensor unit (140) captures non-colour-corrected first images of different spectral content. An intensity processing unit (202) computes broadband luminance sharpness information from the first images on the basis of information descriptive for imaging properties of the lens unit (120). A chrominance processing unit (201) computes chrominance information on the basis of the first images. A synthesizing unit (280) combines the computed chrominance and luminance information to provide an output image having, for example, extended depth-of-field. The imaging unit (100) may be provided in a camera system, a digital microscope or a digital telescope, by way of example.