Use case

Removing Lens Geometric Distortion Through Advanced Image Processing

Lens distortion is a common challenge in machine vision, displacing image data and risking measurement errors and system reliability. Our cost-effective pre-processing solution in-camera or on frame grabber FPGA corrects distortion with zero CPU load and no impact on frame rate.

Use_Case_Lens_Distortion_Correction_Solution

Barrel_distortion_pincushion_distortion — Lens-induced distortions

Understanding lens distortion in machine vision

Lens distortion in machine vision means image information is misplaced geometrically from the ideal shapes. There are two primary types of lens distortions: radial and tangential. And radial distortions usually refer to barrel, pincushion and moustache distortions.

Barrel distortion is commonly associated with wide angle lens (focal length < 50 mm; aperture front structure) while pincushion distortion is common with telephoto lens (focal length> 50 mm, aperture back structure). Mustache distortion is a mixture of both types and less common.

Lens distortion correction is necessary for machine vision applications where accurate and reliable results are crucial. Distorted images may lead to errors in measurements and gauging, affect the performance of machine learning algorithms, and impact the overall reliability of the system.

Challenges in correcting lens distortion

Correcting lens distortion has challenges in both hardware and software approaches.

Hardware: Rectilinear lenses reduce distortion during capture, avoiding post-processing but are costly and limit flexibility in lens choice.

Software: Software correction is more adaptable but resource-intensive, increasing CPU load by 40% and halving frame rates. Developing these algorithms is also time-consuming, requiring expertise in distortion types.

Balancing these challenges is essential for optimal performance and flexibility. In the next section, we’ll introduce how Basler’s solution tackles distortion correction without straining the CPU or affecting your frame rate.

Tackling lens distortion with pre-processing solutions

Time comparison: FPGA vs. CPU for image processing

Your benefits

Real-time processing and low latency: Both in-camera and frame grabber solutions deliver real-time distortion correction with minimal latency.
Flexibility and customization: With multiple solution options, we easily adapt to your specific needs, offering unmatched flexibility for any application.
Faster time-to-market: Accelerate deployment by streamlining implementation and avoiding technical hurdles with our easy-to-configure solutions.

Products for this solution

Looking to implement a comparable solution? These products will help you.

Basler boost area scan camera
The Basler boost camera series combines the latest CMOS sensor technology with high bandwidths and all the other advantages of the CoaXPress 2.0 standard.
Basler ace area scan camera
The ace camera is available with a diverse selection of sensors, resolutions, and speeds—all at a great value.
Fixed focal lenses
Fixed focal lenses are a perfect fit for Basler cameras. We always offer the optimal lens for different vision requirements.
Frame grabbers
These boards provide robust, high-speed image acquisition and processing as well as signal control. The FPGA processors ensure real-time processing.
VisualApplets
With VisualApplets the programming of FPGAs on a graphical user interface succeeds completely without hardware programming.