WO1998047025A2 - Systeme optique omnidirectionnel avec organes de portee centrale, associe a une camera, un projecteur, ou a un article similaire - Google Patents

Systeme optique omnidirectionnel avec organes de portee centrale, associe a une camera, un projecteur, ou a un article similaire Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998047025A2
WO1998047025A2 PCT/US1998/007701 US9807701W WO9847025A2 WO 1998047025 A2 WO1998047025 A2 WO 1998047025A2 US 9807701 W US9807701 W US 9807701W WO 9847025 A2 WO9847025 A2 WO 9847025A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reflector
image
primary reflector
optical system
primary
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/007701
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jeffrey R. Charles
Original Assignee
Charles Jeffrey R
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/036,612 external-priority patent/US6333826B1/en
Priority claimed from US09/060,653 external-priority patent/US6449103B1/en
Application filed by Charles Jeffrey R filed Critical Charles Jeffrey R
Publication of WO1998047025A2 publication Critical patent/WO1998047025A2/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B17/00—Systems with reflecting surfaces, with or without refracting elements
    • G02B17/08—Catadioptric systems
    • G02B17/0856—Catadioptric systems comprising a refractive element with a reflective surface, the reflection taking place inside the element, e.g. Mangin mirrors
    • G02B17/086—Catadioptric systems comprising a refractive element with a reflective surface, the reflection taking place inside the element, e.g. Mangin mirrors wherein the system is made of a single block of optical material, e.g. solid catadioptric systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B13/00—Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
    • G02B13/06—Panoramic objectives; So-called "sky lenses" including panoramic objectives having reflecting surfaces

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wide angle optical system providing means for the simultaneous and seamless imaging of the entire great circle pe ⁇ endicular to its optical axis, also encompassing a wide angular area on either side of the plane of said great circle. More particularly, the invention relates to an imaging system which typically includes reflecting and refracting optics, said optics having providing means for the geometric conversion of three dimensional space surrounding the invention into a two dimensional annular image or vice versa; which is associated with or inco ⁇ orated into a camera, projector, medical instrument, surveillance system, robotic system, flight control system, simulator, or similar article.
  • Images produced or projected by the invention are applicable to many fields, including ordinary or full motion indoor and outdoor panoramic photography with various format cameras; omniramic and omnidirectional recording of subjects for virtual reality applications with a film camera, electronic camera, or similar article; omniramic or omnidirectional projection of like or artificially generated images; videography; live broadcast including that via radio carrier waves, closed circuit systems, or the Internet; surveillance; minimally invasive omnidirectional observation and imaging of difficult to access subjects, as applicable to dry or immersion bore scopes; the enabling and enhancement of assembly and inspection techniques; omnidirectional expansion or reception of lasers and other light sources for applications such as illumination, optical communication, or optical motion sensing; robotic vision systems; vision and subject recognition for autonomous and other flight control or simulation systems, including virtual reality systems; and for viewing, observing, measuring, imaging, recording, broadcasting, projecting, or simulating defined or diffuse subjects of large angular subtense, such as weather related events or the boundary of the lunar umbra as projected on the earth's atmosphere during a total solar eclipse.
  • the omniramic optical system may be used in any orientation; however, it is typically used in a vertical orientation for panoramic applications.
  • the omniramic imaging system typically consists of a strongly curved convex primary reflecting surface having a prolate aspheric figure, said primary reflecting surface having sufficient curvature to image a field of view greater than 180 degrees, thereby providing means to image a great circle surrounding it; a secondary reflector surface, an imaging lens system, and mechanical mounting components which typically include an axial strut to axially support instrumentation or a secondary reflector in front of the primary reflector without obstructing subject matter which is pe ⁇ endicular to the optical axis, though other support means such as a thin off-axis support vane producing minimal obstruction are applicable.
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Assembly of a plurality of discrete images to form a fixed or moving panoramic image is common in the prior art.
  • a less common image assembly method relates to coverage the entire sphere around a camera by means of assembling opposing images taken with a fisheye lens having a field of view greater than or equal to 180 degrees.
  • One such type of prior art relates to the simultaneous use of two hyperhemispherical fisheye lenses to take still images, as embodied in Dan Slater's Spherecam.
  • Another relates to the alternate use of a single hemispherical fisheye lens to capture images in opposing directions, said fisheye lens being used in combination with an indexing bracket having means to index the 180 degree zone of the typically distorted entrance pupil of said fisheye lens in the same position when recording each of the opposing still images, as embodied in the IPIX system and related U.S. patents 5,384,588 and 5,631,778.
  • Motion picture systems include the Circle Vision 360 theater at Disneyland and other systems having various degrees of coverage such as planetariums equipped with Omnimax projectors.
  • the use of a single refractive optical system in hyperhemispherical and panoramic imaging is common in the prior art. Systems utilizing refractive means include rotating panoramic cameras, fisheye lenses, and J.M. Slater's whole sky lens, as shown on page 582 of the October 1932 issue of American Photographer.
  • Reflectors are also widely used in hyperhemispherical wide angle panoramic imaging and projection. Systems of this type are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,631,778 (Panoramic fish-eye imaging system), 5,115,266 (Optical system for recording or projecting a panoramic image), 4,395,093 (Lens system for panoramic imagery), 4,012,126 (Optical system for 360 degree image transfer), 3,846,809 (Reflectors and mounts for panoramic projection), 3,822,936 (Optical system for panoramic projection), and D312,263 (Wide angle reflector attachment for a camera or similar article), and as embodied in disclosures of the Omnicamera at the www.cs.columbia.edu web site; the Be Here panoramic lens prototype at the www.behere.com web site; and the Versaco ⁇ Omnirama Tl 1 axial strut omniramic reflector (an embodiment of the present invention authorized by the applicant) at the www.versaco ⁇ .com web site.
  • Optical reflector configurations include a simple reflector disposed directly in front of a camera lens, as embodied in the Spiratone Birds Eye Attachment (shown in the Spiratone 1976 Bicentennial Sale catalog, page 28), to a Cassegrain system having integral imaging optics as shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,012,126 (Optical system for 360 degree image transfer) and Figures 6 through 12 of U.S. Patent No. D312,263 (the applicant's patent for a Wide angle reflector attachment for a camera or similar article).
  • Support means for a camera or reflective optical element include a tripod; a transparent cylinder of the type embodied in the Spiratone Birds Eye Attachment; a transparent hollow semi-sphere of the type shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,395,093 (Lens system for panoramic imagery) and 4,012,126 (Optical system for 360 degree image transfer); an axial strut of the type shown in U S Patent Nos 5,115,266 (Optical system for recording or projecting a panoramic image), 3,846,809 (Reflectors and mounts for panoramic projection), and D312,263 (Wide angle reflector attachment for a camera or similar article), or pages 74 to 80 of the 1988 Riverside Telescope Makers Conference proceedings, and a solid optical substrate of the type shown in the applicant's co-pending provisional applications, se ⁇ al Nos 60/043,701 and 60/055,876
  • Reflective surfaces consist of external reflectors, as shown in U S Patent Nos xxxxxxxx , an internal optical surface having a reflective coating xxxxxxxx , internal surfaces which utilize total internal reflection, of the type shown in U S Patent No 4,566,763 (Panoramic imaging block for three-dimensional space), as shown in the JPL Radial Profilometry paper, and as embodied in the Pe ⁇ -Apollar lens
  • Reflector substrates include spun, machined, polished and conventionally plated metal surfaces as embodied in the larger reflector invention on page 186 of the August 1986 issue of Sky and Telescope, page 68 of the Apnl 1987 issue of Astronomy, and as shown and descnbed on pages 74 through 80 of the proceedings of the 1988 Riverside Telescope Makers Conference, electrolytically replicated metal surfaces, including those having an outer coating of Rhodium, as embodied in Melles G ⁇ ot concave light multipliers on page 12-17 of the Optics Guide 5 catalog, glass having a reflective coating, as embodied in the Spiratone Birds Eye attachment, transparent refractive matenal having a reflective coanng, as shown in U S Patent No D312,263 (Wide angle reflector attachment for a camera or similar article), plastic having a reflective coating, as embodied in the smaller reflector invention on page 186 of the August 1986 issue of Sky and Telescope
  • Some of the prior art consists of or inco ⁇ orates refracting optics to eliminate field cur
  • the relative figures of the primary and secondary mirrors can be manipulated in order to reduce imaged on-axis aberrations to a size smaller than the Airy disk.
  • the figures of the primary and secondary mirrors can be manipulated to affect off- axis aberrations in a way which reduces the severity of aberrations or results in an aberration which is relatively practical to correct by means of relatively small auxiliary refracting optics which are located relatively near the focal plane.
  • Cassegrain telescope systems include the Ritchey-Chretien, a telescope having a concave hyperboloidal primary mirror and a convex hyperboloidal secondary mirror. This combination results in off-axis astigmatism, an aberration relatively difficult to correct with refracting optics if they are located in close proximity to the focal plane.
  • Another Cassegrain system is the Classical Cassegrain, a telescope having a concave paraboioidal primary minor and a convex hyperboloidal secondary mirror. Coma is the predominant aberration with this system, and coma is relatively easy to correct or reduce with refracting optics, even if they are located relatively near the focal plane. Accordingly, refractive coma correctors are commonly available for commercial Cassegrain telescopes.
  • Simpler published coma corrector designs include those by Brixner, Jones, and Jones-Bird. These simpler systems are designed for Newtonian telescopes and they co ⁇ ect coma at the expense of introducing other abe ⁇ ations; however, these are advantageous when their use will reduce the overall size of the combined imaged aberrations to an acceptable level.
  • a more effective corrector for Classical Cassegrain and Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes is a four element system offered by Celestron, and more recently, by Meade Instruments.
  • This optical system has substantial positive optical power which results in a smaller (faster) nume ⁇ cal focal ratio at the focal plane than that of the telescope alone
  • More sophisticated co ⁇ ector lenses are utilized in compact Catadiopt ⁇ c telephoto camera lenses These include the Nikon 500 mm telephoto mirror lens and the Vivitar 800 mm Solid Catadiopt ⁇ c telephoto lens for a 35 mm camera
  • co ⁇ ective lenses are occasionally used in combination with reflective optics in which imaging abe ⁇ attons roughly equal and opposite of residual abe ⁇ ations of said co ⁇ ective lenses have been deliberately introduced
  • a virtual image typically exists on an imaginary curved surface typically being disposed behind said convex reflector
  • aberrattons present m said virtual image are typically repeated to the real image
  • the curvature of the virtual image results m curvature of the surface of best focus for the real image Therefore, a wide angle reflector system must mco ⁇ orate or otherwise utilize means for correcting field curvature and reducing or co ⁇ ectmg abe ⁇ ations in the virtual image if the real image is to be of high overall resolution and still facilitate a flat focal surface
  • Imaging lens systems having means to correct field curvature and at least some abe ⁇ ations exist in the p ⁇ or art
  • An imaging lens system of this type is shown in U S patent Nos 4,484,801 (Panoramic lens with elements to correct Petzval curvature), 4,395,093 (Lens system for panoramic imagery), 4,012,126 (Optical system for
  • Primary reflector figures include sphencal and asphe ⁇ c - Sky and Telescope
  • Secondary reflector figures include flat, concave
  • the present invention relates to an optical wide angle optical imaging system which is typically made up of both refracting and and reflecting optics, and which is associated with a camera, projector, medical instrument, surveillance system, robotic system, flight control system, or similar article.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a nearly omnidirectional (omniramic) optical system typically consisting of a convex primary reflector having a prolate aspheric figure and a hole or transparent area in its center, a secondary reflector typically having a convex figure, an imaging lens system optically disposed between and in optical communication with the reflector and the focal plane, light baffles, aperture adjustment means, and mechanical mounting components.
  • Mounting components for the preferred embodiment typically include an axial strut to axially support instrumentation, a camera, or a secondary reflector; with the end of said axial strut closest to the foal plane being supported by an optically clear lens or window.
  • inventions may support instrumentation, a camera, or a secondary reflector by means of an off-axis vane having a thin profile as seen from the optical axis, said vane also providing means for routing wires or other fixtures to and from the end farthest from the primary reflector.
  • the degrees of freedom resorted to in different embodiments of the invention include the materials and manufacturing techniques used to make the invention, the size of the invention, the eccentricity and degree of curvature of the primary reflector figure, the radial offset (or to ⁇ oidal curvature, where present) of the primary reflector figure, the size and figure of the window (or nonreflective area in the center of the primary reflector surface, where a transparent substrate is used), whether or not said window or transparent area supports an axial strut, whether or not said window or transparent area is flat or curved on order to have optical power, the figure of the secondary reflector, the existence, size and figure front refractive surfaces for the primary or secondary reflectors, the size and type of primary baffle used, the size and type of secondary baffle used, whether or not some or all of the imaging optics are an integral part of a clear primary reflector substrate (if used), the figure of the imaging lens(es), whether or not aperture adjustment means are provided
  • the maximum theoretical field of view includes the entire sphere around the primary reflector with the exception of a front conical area that is within no less than 18 degrees of the optical axis and a rear conical area that is within no less than 20 degrees of the optical axis.
  • the coverage of the optical system includes the entire horizon and all of the area extending from less than or equal to 72 degrees above the horizon to less than or equal to 70 degrees below. If it is allowed, the applicant claims the benefit of all art which is supported by but not claimed in U.S. patent D312,263. attributes in prior?
  • the most accurate definition relates to the actual angle of view of an optical system, where the specified angle of view is determined by the true angular coverage of the system relative to its optical axis; meaning that if an optical system is truly has 360 degree omnidirectional coverage, it must cover the entire sphere around itself.
  • the present invention is not capable of imaging the entire sphere m a contiguous image owing to a conical exclusion zone behind its p ⁇ mary reflector, and in some embodiments, a second conical exclusion zone in front of the p ⁇ mary reflector
  • omnidirectional relates to the fact that a great circle (such as the ho ⁇ zon) can be imaged by an optical system which has a field of view greater than 180 degrees Such a system is not truly omnidirectional
  • This definition is often used in promotional matenal, such as that for the Pe ⁇ -Apollar, use to mconectly specify that an optic covers 360 degrees, when in fact it may only cover 240 degrees According to this definition, all embodiments of the present invention (including those with a central obscuration) would cover 360 degrees
  • the term "Omniramic" (a probably o ⁇ gmated by the applicant) shall be used to desc ⁇ be this type of coverage
  • the present invention is an improved means for imaging or projecting a field of view which is omniramic, or nearly omnidirectional
  • the present invention achieves the result of an omniramic image projection similar to a polar map projection in substantially the same way as the invention shown in my p ⁇ or design patent D312,263, however, the present invention is an improvement of the invention m said patent D312,263
  • the present invention utilizes more sophisticated optics and components to facilitate improved performance, improved durability, a shorter distance between reflectors, a shorter mechanical support structure, a smaller and lighter secondary reflector assembly, greater ⁇ gidity, smaller exclusion zones, reduction or elimination of a front exclusion zone, elimination of a rear exclusion zone through the use of auxiliary optics, redundant imaging, elimination of field curvature, reduction of abe ⁇ ations, accurate indication of image edges, improved reduction of stray light, occultation of an excessively b ⁇ ght light source (such as the sun) to reduce or eliminate flare, improved protection of optical
  • the minimum possible excluded cone behind the p ⁇ mary reflector has a diameter of about 10 degrees, but a diameter of at least 40 degrees is more practical to implement
  • This area is covered by means of an auxiliary off-axis optical system facing in the opposite direction of the p ⁇ mary reflector, said auxiliary optical system having relay optics and reflective means to produce a final image at the focal plane, said image being on a common focal plane with the annular image, disposed m the center of or immediately beside said annular image
  • Additional fixed and steerable auxiliary optics may be utilized for redundant imaging of the central area and selected off-axis subject areas
  • the front conical exclusion angle is reduced by means of a p ⁇ mary reflector having a figure which is enlarged in a direction pe ⁇ endicular to the optical axis while still retaining rotational symmetry This causes the part of the primary reflector immediately
  • a front exclusion zone is completely eliminated by means of a tonoidal p ⁇ mary reflector and a small convex secondary reflector having a diameter less than the diameter of the apex of the tonoid of said p ⁇ mary reflector
  • Elimination of the front conical exclusion zone is accomplished by redundantly imaging the part of the subject a finite distance directly in front of the pnmary reflector at the radial zone of the annular image circle which is closest to the center by means of a p ⁇ mary reflector having a tonoidal figure combined with a secondary reflector assembly having a diameter smaller than the tonoidal apex of said p ⁇ mary reflector
  • the remainder of the subject is progressively imaged toward the outer edge of the annular image
  • Optical surfaces used to accomplish this consist of a strongly curved prolate asphenc p ⁇ mary reflector , a moderately convex secondary minor , and rear imaging optics
  • the secondary minor is m optical communication with both the p ⁇ m
  • the transparent central zone in the center of the p ⁇ mary reflector surface can have a figure which will act as a refracting lens
  • the surface of a transparent optical window supporting it can be located at the same or at different longitudinal positions than the sunounding zone of the primary reflector by means of a cell which is recessed behind said p ⁇ mary relfector or extends in front of it
  • the rear imaging lens is used to form a real image of the subject by imaging the virtual image which is typically beyond the surface of the secondary minor
  • the applicant implemented the descnbed techniques in a photographic darkroom dunng October, 1976 to convert a series of photographs cove ⁇ ng the entire 360 degree ho ⁇ zon into a flat and continuous annular image
  • Projection onto the co ⁇ ectly shaped and tilted concave conical surface easel converts each rectangular image into a shape resembling a truncated pie slice and curves the ho ⁇ zon and other image elements of to the degree appropriate for the annular which results from assembling the individual p ⁇ nts If the top end of the ongmal image is toward the top of the easel, the sky will be toward the central part of the resulting annular image.
  • the entire process is compatible with conversion of an annular image into a rectangular one by incrementally projecting the the part of the annular image toward the center onto the bottom end of the tilted concave easel.
  • these techniques are applicable to like and similar geometric conversions of an image by exposing paper or film on a moving flat or curved easel through a slit which is in optical communication with a lens and a moving canier for the original image. Additionally, the applicant described that these techniques are also applicable to other modes of image manipulation, including digital image processing. Digital image processing offers more degrees of freedom and greater extremes of image manipulation than a single stage darkroom based technique can provide, and need not be relegated strictly to an incremental or linear conversion process.
  • Digital image manipulation based on the applicant's prior darkroom techniques provide means for the geometric conversion of an annular image such as that produced by the present optical invention into a distorted or undistorted rectangular format and vice versa, said manipulation means also providing for the extraction of distorted or undistorted parts of the image.
  • conversion is based on progressive circumferential expansion of the annular image data from the outer circumference toward the center, expanding the inward part of the image until its circumference matches that of the outer circumference, thereby resulting in a rectangular image. Expansion can be accomplished by adding pixels which repeat the data of those immediately sunounding it, and said expansion can be accompanied or replaced by progressive circumferential compression of the outer zones of the image.
  • the great circle of the horizon will be imaged as a circle at a given radial zone of said annular image.
  • the image may be converted in whole or in part to a rectangular format or other desired forms. Where the resulting rectangular image is oriented with its long dimension extending horizontally, the horizontal image scale is constant and the field of view can even exceed 360 degrees when the image is made long enough to facilitate redundant horizontal coverage.
  • the resulting rectangular image will have a constant vertical image scale, though the vertical image linearity can be manipulated by processes analogous to tilting the easel, translating the easel, wa ⁇ ing the easel, and utilizing an enlarging lens having projection characteristics other than rectilinear.
  • the proportions of the subject matter in the center of the resulting rectangular image are determined by the selected radial zone of unity expansion in the annular image.
  • the zone of unity expansion is selected the radial zone of the annular image having a diameter of the relative length of the horizontal image divided by pi.
  • Digital image processing based on this principle is also capable of converting a contiguous circular image having true omnidirectional coverage (as opposed to an annular one) into a rectangular format, since this is simply a matter of enlarging the inner zones of the image to a progressively greater degree, with the central pixel data being repeated across the entire top pixel row of the resulting rectangular image.
  • the spherical to planar conversion results in a rectangular image having increasing image scale in all directions from a specified center, said expansion being equal to the reciprocal of the cosine of the angle from said specified point, resulting in an image of limited coverage having the same characteristics as an image produced by a rectilinear lens.
  • a rectilinear lens has the same image projection characteristics as a pinhole camera having a flat focal plane.
  • Any subset or combination of the above conversion techniques can be used to influence the image in whole or in part.
  • software applications can facilitate the simultaneous implementation of these processes. In the case of intensive image manipulation such as may be required for full motion digital display, active pixel reassignment may be implemented.
  • Fresnel lens should be OmniLens
  • Claim conversion technique for annular and circular images claim Fresnel lens (should be OmniLens) LD solid micro. claim use of Barlow to flatten field - oscilloscope lens claim lighting, wire routing at optical center claim field flattener, astigmatism, sec. curv to intro coma 1 easel 3 med format 5 side strut 12 more proj, torroid, suites, off center reflect 13, remote, torroid 14 tonoid, fast f/ratio, field flat, hole in sec, hollow strut to OC for wiring
  • a primary use is for simultaneous imaging and projection of an entire 360 panorama which includes a great circle sunounding the invention, said great circle being pe ⁇ endicular to the optical axis.
  • This is typically accomplished by using the invention in a vertical orientation, in which case, a great circle pe ⁇ endicular to the optical axis conesponds to a flat horizon.
  • all descriptions of the present invention apply to an vertical orientation with the surface of its primary reflector facing up.
  • Improvements of the present invention over the applicant's prior embodiments relate primarily to miniaturization, increased off-axis resolution, increased vertical coverage, improved compatibility with low cost modes of production, improved durability, and compatibility with a wider anay of cameras, projecors, and other instrumentation.
  • inventions having a large or a small conical exclusion zone in front of the primary reflector is the figure of the primary reflector, the size of any central hole in said primary reflector, and the size and proximity of a central obstruction.of a with the reflector on embodiments with a reduced exclusion zone having a radially offset (i.e. outwardly offset) figure.
  • Embodiments having a small conical exclusion zone utilize a radially enlarged primary reflector. For a given moderately central zone, radial enlargement results in an angle of reflection which is closer to perpendicular with the optical surface, resulting in coverage closer to the center of
  • the primary difference between embodiments with and without annularly imaged central coverage is the figure of the primary reflector and the relative size of a central obstruction such as a secondary reflector and its baffle or any other article such as a camera.
  • Embodiments having central coverage utilize a torroidal primary reflector.
  • the size of the central obstruction influences the percentage of the image circle which will be obstructed by it and the degree of radial enlargement which must be inco ⁇ orated into the tonoidal reflector in order to image the central subject (or projection area) which is beyond said central obstruction.
  • the zone of the primary reflector which is used in imaging the central subject must have a diameter at least as large as the central obstruction.
  • the zone of the primary reflector imaging it must be larger than the diameter of the central obstruction. Therefore, in the prefened embodiment of the invention having a tonoidal primary reflector, the zone of said primary reflector imaging the central subject is larger than the central obstruction.
  • the primary differences between embodiments for different applications include overall size; relative sizes of different optical surfaces; materials used; the presence or configuration of moisture and contaminant seals; optimization of the optical figure for immersion, where applicable; and the relative size and longitudinal position of the focal surface.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Lenses (AREA)
  • Instruments For Viewing The Inside Of Hollow Bodies (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système optique grand-angle omnidirectionnel, associé à une caméra, un projecteur, un instrument médical, un système de surveillance, un système de commande de vol, ou un article similaire. Ce système optique est généralement constitué d'un système Cassegrain présentant une surface réfléchissante convexe fortement courbée, à l'aspect asphérique allongé, une surface de réflecteur secondaire, et un système d'imagerie modulaire et à lame correctrice.
PCT/US1998/007701 1997-04-16 1998-04-16 Systeme optique omnidirectionnel avec organes de portee centrale, associe a une camera, un projecteur, ou a un article similaire WO1998047025A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US4370197P 1997-04-16 1997-04-16
US60/043,701 1997-04-16
US5587697P 1997-08-15 1997-08-15
US60/055,876 1997-08-15
US09/036,612 US6333826B1 (en) 1997-04-16 1998-03-07 Omniramic optical system having central coverage means which is associated with a camera, projector, or similar article
US09/036,612 1998-03-07
US09/060,653 1998-04-15
US09/060,653 US6449103B1 (en) 1997-04-16 1998-04-15 Solid catadioptric omnidirectional optical system having central coverage means which is associated with a camera, projector, medical instrument, or similar article

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998047025A2 true WO1998047025A2 (fr) 1998-10-22

Family

ID=27488382

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/007701 WO1998047025A2 (fr) 1997-04-16 1998-04-16 Systeme optique omnidirectionnel avec organes de portee centrale, associe a une camera, un projecteur, ou a un article similaire
PCT/US1998/008063 WO1998046116A2 (fr) 1997-04-16 1998-04-16 Systeme optique omnidirectionnel, catadioptrique et solide, dote d'un organe de couverture central, associe a une camera, un projecteur, un instrument medical ou un dispositif similaire

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/008063 WO1998046116A2 (fr) 1997-04-16 1998-04-16 Systeme optique omnidirectionnel, catadioptrique et solide, dote d'un organe de couverture central, associe a une camera, un projecteur, un instrument medical ou un dispositif similaire

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (2) WO1998047025A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6841780B2 (en) 2001-01-19 2005-01-11 Honeywell International Inc. Method and apparatus for detecting objects
US7184585B2 (en) 2000-11-17 2007-02-27 Honeywell International Inc. Object detection
US7200246B2 (en) 2000-11-17 2007-04-03 Honeywell International Inc. Object detection

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001079908A1 (fr) * 1999-12-31 2001-10-25 Yissum Research Development Company Of The Hebrew University Of Jerusalem Ensembles appareils photo panoramiques stereo servant a enregistrer des images panoramiques utiles dans un couple d'images panoramiques stereo
US7345705B2 (en) * 2001-07-27 2008-03-18 Raytheon Company Photonic buoy
JP3377995B1 (ja) * 2001-11-29 2003-02-17 株式会社立山アールアンドディ パノラマ撮像レンズ
GB2385840A (en) * 2001-12-04 2003-09-03 Lee Scott Friend Airborne surveillance vehicle
IL152628A0 (en) * 2002-11-04 2004-02-08 Odf Optronics Ltd Omni-directional imaging assembly

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1988005584A1 (fr) * 1987-01-19 1988-07-28 Nauchno-Proizvodstvennoe Obiedinenie Po Avtoelektr Dispositif de signalisation lumineuse
US5042928A (en) * 1990-02-20 1991-08-27 Eastman Kodak Company Parallel catadioptric optical element

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7184585B2 (en) 2000-11-17 2007-02-27 Honeywell International Inc. Object detection
US7200246B2 (en) 2000-11-17 2007-04-03 Honeywell International Inc. Object detection
US6841780B2 (en) 2001-01-19 2005-01-11 Honeywell International Inc. Method and apparatus for detecting objects

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1998046116A3 (fr) 1999-02-25
WO1998046116A2 (fr) 1998-10-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6333826B1 (en) Omniramic optical system having central coverage means which is associated with a camera, projector, or similar article
US6449103B1 (en) Solid catadioptric omnidirectional optical system having central coverage means which is associated with a camera, projector, medical instrument, or similar article
US3203328A (en) Full circumferential viewing system
KR100599423B1 (ko) 전방향성 이미징 장치
US8451318B2 (en) Three-mirror panoramic camera
Kumler et al. Fish-eye lens designs and their relative performance
US9635253B2 (en) Multiscale telescopic imaging system
AU2013208099B2 (en) Panoramic optical systems
US4598981A (en) Wide-angle flat field telescope
WO2005081040A1 (fr) Systeme d'imagerie a miroirs de renvoi contenu dans une sphere
TWI754877B (zh) 折反射式光學系統
US5734496A (en) Lens system
US20050117227A1 (en) Panoramic imaging system with optical zoom capability
US6118579A (en) Planetary astrographic telescope
WO1998047025A2 (fr) Systeme optique omnidirectionnel avec organes de portee centrale, associe a une camera, un projecteur, ou a un article similaire
US10725280B2 (en) Multiscale telescopic imaging system
US3286590A (en) Full circumferential viewing system
JP2598528B2 (ja) 連続可変焦点全反射光学装置
US6003998A (en) System and method for panoramic imaging using concentric spherical mirrors
JPH09509265A (ja) 高シンメトリー光学システム
JP4781537B2 (ja) カメラ・システムおよびディスプレイ装置
Arkhipova et al. Circular-scan panoramic systems
Hicks The page of catadioptric sensor design
Willstrop The modified Couder telescope
McGraw et al. Lens systems for sky surveys and space surveillance

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): JP

WA Withdrawal of international application