Monocular Camera Distance Estimation Using Measured Point Spread Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calculating the distance to an object using a monocular camera are prone to errors due to the use of simplified point spread functions, which differ from the actual optical system's point spread function, and require complex measurements that consider environmental and display system influences.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device measures the point spread function of the camera's optical system using a liquid crystal monitor with a divided backlight, allowing for the calculation of accurate blur correction filters to improve distance estimation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If correction filters are prepared using a simplified point spread function, then the calculation process is simple, but the distance calculation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the optical system by measuring the point spread function through image processing of a captured test chart. This measured PSF is then used to generate accurate correction filters, replacing the need for complex physical measurements while achieving high accuracy distance calculation.
2Measurement precision
If correction filters are prepared using the actual optical system's point spread function, then distance calculation accuracy improves, but the measurement process becomes complex and difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical measurement procedures with an image processing-based approach. By capturing an image of a test chart and processing it computationally, the system obtains the point spread function without requiring specialized measurement equipment or complex experimental setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures its own point spread function using its own imaging capabilities. The camera captures an image of a test chart, and the image processing unit extracts the PSF information from this captured image, allowing the system to self-characterize without external measurement equipment.
3Measurement precision
If point spread function measurement is performed considering environmental light and display system influences, then measurement accuracy improves, but the measurement process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the point spread function information from the captured image of the test chart by processing only the relevant portions. The image processing unit identifies and processes the test chart pattern, separating the PSF information from environmental light and display system influences through selective image processing.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image processing device includes a hardware processor implemented by one or more processors. The hardware processor acquires a first image of a first object and a second image of a second object which is different from the first object, the images captured by an image capture processing device including an image capturing element and an optical system which images an object image on an image capturing surface of the image capturing element. The hardware processor measures a point spread function of the optical system based on the first image and the second image.