Optical Apparatus Distortion Correction via Lens Position Coefficients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques for electronic cameras face challenges in accurately correcting distortion, particularly when the distortion amount distribution is complex or mixed-type, leading to potential bad corrected results due to low accuracy and high labor requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed that optimizes coefficients for distortion correction by expressing distortion aberration as a function of lens position, controlling residual aberrations across multiple lens positions, and preparing optimized coefficients as distortion correcting information to ensure reliable and efficient correction, even in the presence of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the quantity of information in the distortion correction table is increased to improve accuracy for certain lens positions, then distortion correction accuracy is improved, but the quantity of information required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation from storing complete distortion correction tables for each lens position to storing only coefficient sets that define distortion characteristics. By parameterizing the distortion model with coefficients a1, a2, a3 and using polynomial expressions, the system reduces information quantity while maintaining accuracy through mathematical modeling rather than brute-force data storage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing actual distortion correction data for every lens position, the patent creates a simplified copy or model of the distortion characteristics using coefficient sets. This model can then be used to calculate distortion amounts for any lens position through polynomial expressions, reducing the need to store complete correction tables while preserving essential distortion information.
2Ease of operation
If manual distortion correction is performed by an operator to achieve good results, then customization and control are improved, but labor and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the camera system to automatically perform distortion correction without operator intervention. The system uses the polynomial model with stored coefficients to automatically calculate and apply distortion correction based on lens position information, eliminating the need for manual operator adjustment while maintaining consistent and reliable correction results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by using lens position information (focal length and aperture) to automatically select appropriate coefficient sets and apply the corresponding distortion correction. The system continuously monitors lens position and adjusts correction parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing shooting conditions without requiring manual input.
3Quantity of substance
If a simplified distortion correction function with fewer terms is used, then information quantity is reduced, but distortion correction accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully balances simplification and accuracy by carefully selecting which parameters to retain in the polynomial model. By keeping three coefficient sets (a1, a2, a3) that capture the essential distortion characteristics across different lens positions, the system achieves adequate accuracy while maintaining low information quantity. The polynomial order and coefficient selection are optimized to provide the necessary precision without unnecessary complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A proposition is to provide a distortion correcting method, a carrier medium carrying distortion correcting program and an optical apparatus which can perform reliable and good distortion correction while suppressing the quantity of information in distortion correcting information. The distortion correcting method includes a preparing operation which expresses distortion aberration of an optical system for shooting in a function of a lens position thereof, optimizes coefficients of the function so that residual aberrations in two or more lens positions are controlled appropriately respectively, and prepares, in advance, information of optimized coefficients thereof as distortion correcting information of the optical system, and a correcting operation which performs a correction of distortion of an image picked up by the optical system based on the lens position at shooting time and the distortion correcting information prepared.