Omnidirectional Camera Signal Compensation and Parallel Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional omnidirectional cameras face challenges in achieving uniform image brightness due to wide angle lenses, which result in brighter images near the center and darker peripheral areas, and are limited by data processing bottlenecks and time lags in image compression and conversion, especially when multiple cameras are used.
Innovation Solution
The omnidirectional camera system incorporates a signal processing unit, a writing changeover unit, a signal compensation unit with compensation coefficients, a data conversion unit, and an input/output control unit to accumulate and compensate signals, allowing parallel data reading and compression/conversion, thereby improving image uniformity and processing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If wide angle lenses are used to capture omnidirectional images, then the field of view is increased, but the uniformity of image brightness deteriorates (brighter center, darker periphery)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing position-dependent compensation coefficients that vary across different regions of the image sensor. Each pixel or pixel group receives a tailored compensation value based on its position (center vs. periphery), allowing selective adjustment of brightness without affecting the entire image uniformly. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the wide angle field of view while correcting the non-uniform brightness distribution through localized processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If data is accumulated and processed sequentially through multiple units, then processing thoroughness is improved, but processing speed deteriorates (time lag of one frame or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing compensation coefficients in a lookup table before actual image processing occurs. When an image is captured, the system can immediately apply the appropriate compensation values without performing complex calculations in real-time, thus maintaining processing thoroughness while significantly reducing processing time and eliminating frame delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple processing functions into a unified pipeline where signal accumulation, compensation application, and data conversion occur in an integrated manner. By combining these previously separate sequential operations into a coordinated system that can process data continuously, the patent maintains thorough processing while eliminating the time lags that resulted from sequential handoff between discrete units.
3Area of moving object
If multiple cameras are used to capture omnidirectional images, then image coverage is improved, but data processing complexity and time lag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the omnidirectional image capture task across multiple cameras, each responsible for a specific field of view sector. Each camera's data is processed independently through the same compensation pipeline, allowing parallel processing that reduces overall complexity compared to attempting to process a single massive omnidirectional dataset. The segmented approach maintains comprehensive coverage while managing processing loads efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
An omnidirectional camera comprises a camera having an image pickup element for acquiring a digital image, an image data processing device for compressing signals from the camera and for converting the signal to an image signal, and an external memory. The image data processing device has a signal processing unit, a writing changeover unit, a set of two first internal memories, a signal compensation unit, a data conversion unit, a third internal memory for temporarily storing the outputted data, and an input/output control unit for controlling the input/output of the data between the third internal memory and the external memory. The writing changeover unit accumulates signals outputted from the signal processing unit in one of the first internal memories until the signals are accumulated to a predetermined amount, and then, the writing changeover unit changes the destination of accumulation and repeatedly accumulates in the other first internal memory.