Monocular Camera Distance Estimation via Chromatic Aberration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining distance using a single capture device, or monocular camera, face challenges in achieving high robustness due to the complexity of interpreting images affected by optical aberrations and varying light conditions.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that utilizes a statistical model learned from images affected by optical aberrations, specifically chromatic aberration, to estimate distance by analyzing bokeh patterns and point spread function shapes, allowing for accurate distance calculation from a single image captured by a monocular camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single capture device is used to obtain distance to subject, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of optical aberrations (chromatic aberration causing color fringing and bokeh) into a beneficial feature for distance estimation. By analyzing the characteristics of bokeh and chromatic aberration in the captured image, the system derives distance information that would otherwise be considered noise or distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from trying to eliminate optical aberrations to utilizing them by analyzing different parameters of the aberrated image (bokeh size, chromatic aberration magnitude, point spread function characteristics). These parameter changes enable distance estimation from a single image without requiring additional capture devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If optical aberrations are corrected to improve image quality, then image quality improves, but distance estimation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of correcting optical aberrations that degrade image quality, the patent utilizes the aberrations themselves (chromatic aberration, bokeh, point spread function) as the basis for distance estimation. The harmful optical imperfections become the measuring tool for determining subject distance.
3Measurement precision
If additional filters or components are added to improve distance measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the capture device's existing optical characteristics (lens aberrations, aperture effects) to perform distance estimation without requiring additional filters, sensors, or components. The optical system serves dual purposes: capturing the image and providing the aberration patterns needed for distance measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the capture device multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously capture images and provide distance information through analysis of optical aberrations. The same optical components that create image degradation also encode distance information that can be extracted through computational analysis.
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
This approach enhances the robustness and accuracy of distance estimation from a single image, improving the reliability of distance measurement in various lighting and focus conditions without the need for additional filters or increased component costs.
Implementation Method 1
bokeh produced in a first image affected by aberration of an optical system, the bokeh changing nonlinearly in accordance with a distance to a subject in the first image
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image processing device includes storage and a processor. The storage stores a statistical model generated by learning bokeh produced in a first image affected by aberration of an optical system, the bokeh changing nonlinearly in accordance with a distance to a subject in the first image. The processor obtains a second image affected by the aberration of the optical system. The processor inputs the second image to the statistical model and obtains distance information indicating a distance to a subject in the second image.