Panoramic Camera Orientation Sensor Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panoramic camera systems struggle to determine the orientation of panoramic images captured from a wide-angle lens, leading to geometric distortions and inability to correctly project images on paper or screens in a horizontal or vertical direction.
Innovation Solution
A spatial orientation-based panoramic camera system that utilizes a three-axis gyroscope or other orientation devices to determine the optics system's orientation during image capture, allowing for the selection and display of a portion of the panoramic image as a strip, mitigating geometric distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a wide-angle lens is used to capture panoramic images, then the field of view is increased, but geometric distortions occur in the captured image
Solution Approach 1:
The panoramic image is divided into multiple segments or zones, with different distortion correction parameters applied to each segment. This allows selective correction of geometric distortions in different areas of the wide-angle image while preserving the expanded field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies variable distortion correction parameters across different regions of the panoramic image. By changing the correction intensity and type of transformation based on location, the system mitigates geometric distortions while maintaining the broad coverage provided by the wide-angle lens.
2Device complexity
If a single axis orientation sensor is used to determine image orientation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the orientation detection precision is insufficient for panoramic images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-axis to multi-axis (three-axis) orientation sensing, adding dimensional measurement capability. This enables accurate determination of the camera's orientation in three-dimensional space, which is essential for correctly orienting and projecting panoramic images on screens or paper.
3Loss of information
If the entire panoramic image is projected without selection, then the complete environment is captured, but geometric distortions make parts of the image unintelligible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and displays only the relevant portion of the panoramic image that meets orientation and distortion criteria. By selecting and projecting only intelligible portions rather than the entire panoramic capture, the system eliminates confusing distorted areas while preserving meaningful environmental information.
4Ease of operation
If panoramic images are displayed without orientation correction, then the display simplicity is maintained, but the images cannot be correctly projected in horizontal or vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs orientation detection and image correction in advance, during the image capture or preprocessing stage. By determining the camera orientation and applying appropriate transformations before display, the system ensures accurate horizontal or vertical projection without requiring complex real-time adjustments during viewing.
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
Enables accurate orientation and projection of panoramic images, allowing users to select and display image strips that correct for geometric distortions, providing a more harmonious representation of the environment.
Implementation Method 1
The panoramic camera may comprise a three-axis gyroscope or any other device that allows determining its lens/optics orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A panoramic camera is provided with an orientation sensor to record orientation along with a panoramic image. The display or print image is selected from the captured panoramic image, a warped. non-scale-correct image. The selection of the display image is done using the orientation sensor. The orientation sensor data can be recorded with the panoramic image as metadata. The orientation sensor can also be used to control an external display and/or panoramic image selection during browsing.