Ray-Traced Aberration Simulation for Synthetic Training Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the ability to simulate images with aberrations using ray tracing, which is essential for training neural networks in autonomous vehicles and other applications requiring synthetic images.
Innovation Solution
A method involving ray tracing to simulate images with aberrations by estimating the point spread function, generating synthetic imagery, and incorporating optical effects, eliminating the need for test drives by using synthetic data to train neural networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real test drives are conducted for data collection, then training data quality is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates synthetic training images by copying and simulating real-world imaging scenarios through ray tracing. Instead of capturing real images during test drives, the system generates synthetic images that replicate optical aberrations and imaging conditions, eliminating the need for physical test drives while maintaining training data quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of optical aberrations through ray tracing simulations before actual training data collection. By pre-computing point spread functions and aberration models, the system prepares synthetic training data in advance, avoiding time-consuming real-world test drives
2Measurement precision
If real test drives are conducted for data collection, then training data quality is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex real-world data collection operations with synthetic image generation. By copying the essential optical characteristics through ray tracing simulations, the system simplifies the data collection process while maintaining training data quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes physical test drive operations with computational ray tracing simulations. Instead of mechanically capturing images during vehicle operation, the system uses optical simulations to generate equivalent training data, reducing operational complexity
3Productivity
If synthetic images without optical effects are generated, then generation speed is improved, but training effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical aberration effects selectively to specific regions and aspects of synthetic images. By incorporating point spread functions and aberration models only where needed for training effectiveness, the system maintains generation speed while improving training reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts optical parameters in ray tracing simulations to balance generation speed and training effectiveness. By modifying aberration strength, point spread function characteristics, and optical conditions, the system generates synthetic images that are both fast to produce and effective for training
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 the generation of realistic images for neural network training without actual data collection, reducing the need for test drives and providing accurate, photo-realistic scenes with integrated optical aberrations.
Implementation Method 1
A method for simulating images with aberrations, or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which are recorded instructions. The method includes ray tracing planes of objects to produce plane images, estimating point spread function from the ray tracing
Implementation Method 2
The method may include implementing a blurring effect and implementing a noise tradeoff. The method may also include providing an actual imaging sensor of a vehicle, and the imaging sensor of the vehicle is located within a cabin of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for simulating images with aberrations, or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which are recorded instructions. The method includes ray tracing planes of objects to produce plane images, estimating point spread function from the ray tracing, and creating one or more perceived images. The method may include feeding a ray-tracing simulator with one more synthetic impulse images or scenes. The method may include feeding the perceived images into a perception pipeline and generating synthetic imagery from the plane images and the perceived images.