Resolution-Scaled Image Processing for Distortion Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems face challenges in accurately correcting distortions in combined virtual and real-space images due to improper handling of focal lengths and image center coordinates, especially when resolutions change, leading to inadequate distortion correction.

Innovation Solution

The system calculates and transmits distortion correcting information within the imaging system based on the imaging and output resolutions, using proportional relationships to ensure accurate distortion correction by adjusting focal lengths and image center coordinates, reducing data storage requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If distortion correction data is stored for multiple resolutions, then distortion correction accuracy is improved, but data storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistortion correction accuracyVSAvoiddata storage requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential distortion correction parameters (focal length and image center coordinates) needed for accurate correction, rather than storing complete distortion correction datasets for multiple resolutions. This selective extraction reduces data storage requirements while maintaining correction accuracy through proportional calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of storing distortion correction data for each resolution and looking it up, the patent inverts the approach by storing base resolution parameters and calculating other resolutions proportionally. This inversion reduces storage needs by keeping only the minimum necessary data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If distortion correction is performed using conventional methods, then processing speed is maintained, but correction accuracy deteriorates when resolutions change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddistortion correction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters being stored and processed - instead of storing complete distortion correction maps for each resolution, it stores and transmits only focal length and image center coordinates. These parameters can be quickly scaled proportionally to any resolution, maintaining both processing speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If complete distortion correction data is transmitted, then correction accuracy is improved, but communication data volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistortion correction accuracyVSAvoidcommunication data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the critical parameters (focal length and image center coordinates) from complete distortion correction data for transmission. These extracted parameters contain the essential information needed to generate accurate distortion correction at any resolution through proportional scaling, dramatically reducing communication data volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of transmitting actual distortion correction data for each resolution, the patent transmits base parameters that can be copied and scaled proportionally to generate correction data for any required resolution, reducing communication overhead while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4626011A1Processing apparatus, image pickup apparatus, lens apparatus, imaging system, image processing apparatus, system, processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 CANON KK
  • EP4626011A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4626011A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4626011A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A processing apparatus (2) includes a first acquiring unit (41) configured to acquire an imaging resolution and an output resolution, and a second acquiring unit (42) configured to acquire information on a focal length of an optical system and center position information on an image according to the imaging resolution and the output resolution.