Signal Processing for Anamorphic Lens Asymmetry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera systems with anamorphic lenses face performance degradation due to differing optical characteristics in the horizontal and vertical directions, which are not adequately addressed by existing methods.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing device and method that perform displaying processes in an image capture device equipped with an anamorphic lens, using predetermined parameters to control functions such as autofocus, exposure, and white balance, without requiring special operations or handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an anamorphic lens is used to achieve different optical characteristics in horizontal and vertical directions, then the imaging capability is improved, but the rotational symmetry of optical characteristics is lost causing performance degradation in standard camera functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidperformance of camera functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally using an anamorphic lens that has different optical characteristics in the horizontal and vertical directions. This asymmetric optical design enables specialized imaging capabilities while the system adapts through software processing to maintain functional reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of optical characteristics from rotationally symmetric to asymmetric by employing an anamorphic lens. Additionally, it processes image parameters through signal processing to compensate for the asymmetric characteristics and maintain consistent function performance across different orientations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If standard camera functions are designed on the premise of rotationally symmetric optical characteristics, then the device complexity is reduced, but the functions cannot operate correctly with anamorphic lenses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign complexityVSAvoidcompatibility with anamorphic lenses
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the camera system universal by enabling it to work with both standard rotationally symmetric lenses and specialized anamorphic lenses. The signal processing device detects lens type and automatically adjusts processing parameters, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple lens configurations without requiring separate function designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the detection area size is adjusted based on aspect ratio information, then the performance degradation is reduced, but the functions still cannot operate correctly without comprehensive control of horizontal and vertical direction characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance of detection functionsVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by independently controlling detection and processing parameters in the horizontal and vertical directions based on the anamorphic lens characteristics. Instead of uniform adjustment, the system applies direction-specific processing to compensate for the asymmetric optical properties, with the signal processing device adjusting parameters locally for each orientation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3845945B1Signal processing device, signal processing method, signal processing program, and image capture device
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3845945B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3845945B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3845945B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

A signal processing device performs a displaying process in a display unit on the basis of a parameter being predetermined in an image capture device provided with an anamorphic lens.