Plenoptic Camera Rayleigh Scattering Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera systems for motor vehicles struggle to provide high-quality image data, especially in hazy or misty conditions due to Rayleigh scattering, which affects the clarity and safety of object recognition and cross-traffic detection.
Innovation Solution
A camera system equipped with a plenoptic camera and an evaluation device that captures a 4D light field, allowing the determination of electromagnetic radiation incidence direction and adaptation of image data to minimize Rayleigh scattering, combined with sensors capturing infrared and visible wavelengths, and using depth information to selectively correct image data based on distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional camera systems are used to capture image data, then the device complexity is low, but the image quality deteriorates in hazy or misty conditions due to Rayleigh scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D image capture to 4D light field capture by introducing angular information through a microlens array. This dimensional expansion enables the system to distinguish between light rays based on their incident angles, allowing selective processing to remove Rayleigh scattered light while preserving direct light paths, thereby improving image quality in hazy conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light field dimensionality from 2D (position only) to 4D (position and angle), enabling the evaluation device to analyze and adapt image data based on direction of incidence. This parameter change allows the system to identify and correct Rayleigh scattering effects by filtering light rays based on their angular characteristics
2Reliability
If plenoptic camera with microlens array is used to capture 4D light field, then the image quality improves by enabling Rayleigh scattering correction, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it captures the 4D light field for depth information, enables direction of incidence determination for Rayleigh scattering correction, and provides focus stacking capability. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single structural addition
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array acts as an intermediary optical element between the objective lens and sensor array, transforming the light field into a form that contains both spatial and angular information. This intermediary structure enables the evaluation device to perform complex corrections without requiring direct modification of the sensor or extensive post-processing hardware
3Reliability
If image data is adapted based on direction of incidence to remove Rayleigh scattering, then the clarity of distant objects improves, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of the 4D light field with complete angular information, allowing the evaluation device to pre-identify Rayleigh scattered light paths based on direction of incidence. This preliminary structuring of data enables faster correction processing compared to attempting to remove scattering after standard 2D capture, as the angular separation is already established
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
Enhances image quality by effectively reducing Rayleigh scattering, improving object recognition and safety by providing clear images of distant objects, while maintaining clarity for closer objects, thus increasing the overall safety of the motor vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The plenoptic camera or light field camera can capture a 4D light field of the environmental region
Implementation Method 2
The capture of the 4D light field becomes possible by a grid of multiple microlenses in front of the sensor
Implementation Method 3
The image data can for example have the hazy and/or the misty areas due to Rayleigh scattering
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing image data (24) from a camera system (3) for a motor vehicle (1), wherein the camera system (3) includes at least one camera, in particular a plenoptic camera (4), including a lens (6) and a sensor array (7), in which electromagnetic radiation (15, 17, 19, 21) is captured by means of the sensor array (7) and image data (24) of an environmental region (11) of the motor vehicle (1) is provided based on the captured electromagnetic radiation (15, 17, 19, 21) and the image data (24) is evaluated by means of an evaluation device (5), wherein a direction of incidence of the electromagnetic radiation (15, 17, 19, 21) on the sensor array (7) is determined by the evaluation device (5) based on the image data (24) provided by the sensor array (7) and the image data (24) is adapted by means of the evaluation device (5) depending on the determined direction of incidence.