Image processing method of optical signals of a vehicle environment surveillance system, and vehicle environment surveillance system

Optical signals detected by an input unit (12) such as a video camera with a wide-angle lens (14), are converted into digital pixels. The digital input pixels are processed using a distortion-correcting function to obtain digital output pixels that can be assembled into a substantially non-distorted output image. The equalizing function may be a mathematical function in the form of a data table. An Independent claim is included for system for detecting the surroundings of a motor vehicle.