Zoom Camera Optical Axis Alignment via Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surveillance cameras with zoom functions experience optical axis errors due to assembly tolerances and other factors, leading to image stabilization challenges that require frequent mechanical compensation.
Innovation Solution
An image stabilization method and system that determines the presence of a representative feature portion in an input image, using image processing techniques such as scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) and optical flow analysis to align the optical axis, either by matching sampled images or calculating optical axis error information based on optical flow data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical image stabilization is used to compensate for optical axis error, then image stability is improved, but the system requires frequent physical adjustments and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical image stabilization with an optical image stabilization system that uses optical components (prism, lens) and image processing algorithms to compensate for optical axis errors. The system detects optical axis deviation through image processing and corrects it by adjusting optical components or digitally transforming the image, eliminating the need for frequent mechanical adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The optical image stabilization system automatically detects and corrects optical axis errors without requiring manual intervention. The control unit continuously monitors image stability and adjusts the optical components or applies digital corrections in real-time, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain image stability autonomously
2Ease of operation
If zoom function is added to surveillance camera, then user convenience is improved, but optical axis error occurs due to assembly tolerance and optical system variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the image for optical axis deviation caused by zoom operations. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts optical components or applies digital image transformation to correct the alignment error, maintaining manufacturing precision despite zoom functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters (such as prism angle, lens position) or digital processing parameters (image transformation matrices) in response to detected optical axis errors. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system compensates for alignment variations introduced by zoom operations and assembly tolerances
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for image stabilization through image processing, and a zoom camera including an image stabilization function. The method includes: determining whether an input image comprises a representative feature portion; sampling the representative feature portion to generate a sampled image if it is determined that the input image comprises the representative feature portion; enlarging the input image by an optical zooming, matching the enlarged input image with the sampled image, and obtaining a central coordinate of the enlarged input image and a central coordinate of the sampled image; and aligning an optical axis by calculating a difference between the central coordinate of the enlarged input image and the central coordinate of the sampled image.