WO2001065861A2

WO2001065861A2 - Method and apparatus for recording multiple perspective images

Info

Publication number: WO2001065861A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/006751
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jerry M. Roane
Original assignee: Roane Jerry M
Priority date: 2000-03-02
Filing date: 2001-03-02
Publication date: 2001-09-07
Also published as: AU2001240006A1; WO2001065861A3

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system and method for recording multiple perspective images. The invention may include a camera, a first reflective member, and a second reflective member. The camera is directed at the first reflective member and the second reflective member is preferably positioned around a target such that multiple perspectives of the target reflect from the second reflective member to the first reflective member and to the camera. The camera may then record an image of multiple perspectives of the target. The image recorded by the camera may then be processed and displayed within a viewer device.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECORDING MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVE IMAGES

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to the field of recording images. More specifically, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for recording multiple perspective images.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Photography and cinematography systems perform a number of functions ranging from capturing two dimensional and three dimensional images to creating motion pictures having a variety of enhancements and special effects. One recent development in cinematography is the use of multiple cameras to capture multiple images of a subject from different perspectives so that these camera perspectives create a sequence of images of the subject from different perspectives. For instance, this technique creates a sequence in which a camera appears to rotate around an object that is frozen in time or is in slow motion. ₍ The motion picture The Matrix used this type of technique with multiple cameras recording images in a so- called "green screen" set. The cameras were positioned to capture images of a subject from perspectives encircling the subject. The cameras then operated simultaneously or substantially simultaneously to capture images of the subject from their respective positions. These images were then arranged to create a film sequence in which the audience's perspective rotates around the subject which appears to be frozen in time or in slow motion. The operation and use of a conventional system of this type, i.e. with multiple cameras functioning together, is both technically difficult and expensive. A malfunction in an individual camera or in the operation of the system of cameras may distort the transition from one perspective to the next, spoiling the technique's intended effect. The technique also requires a significant amount of time and manpower to arrange the system, including positioning each individual camera and operating the cameras simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. Finally, the cost of equipment, including multiple cameras, makes the system expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore a need has arisen for a system for recording multiple perspectives of a target with a reduced number of cameras .

A further need has arisen for an inexpensive system for recording multiple perspectives of a target.

A further need has arisen for a system that can process an image containing multiple perspectives of a target into a series of images of different perspectives of a target .

In accordance with the present disclosure a system and method for multiple perspective imaging is described that uses a camera, a first reflective member, a second reflective member and a processor. The camera or set of cameras is directed at the first reflective member. The second reflective member is positioned around a target such that multiple perspectives of the target reflect from the second reflective member to the first reflective member for recording by the camera . The camera then records an image of multiple perspectives of the target area. " The image recorded by the camera is then available for processing to allow the display of multiple perspectives of the target by a viewer device.

In one embodiment, the system includes a first reflective member having at least one reflective surface, a first camera directed at the first reflective member, and a second reflective member having at least one reflective surface positioned around a target and a processor. The first reflective member and the second reflective member are positioned such that the first reflective member and the second reflective member reflect multiple perspectives of the target area to the first camera. The processor interfaces with the first camera and is operable to process an image recorded by the first camera into a series of multiple perspective images. -In another embodiment, images are recorded by a digital camera.

In another embodiment a viewer presents multiple perspective images in a series. The viewer has a viewer body with a first lens portion and a display device operable to display a series of multiple perspective images. The display device is disposed within the viewer body adjacent the first lens portion and a rotator coupled to the display device that allows selective rotation of the display device such that images within the series of multiple perspective images are consecutively displayed adjacent the first lens portion. Alternatively, the viewer may have a set of lens^' for viewing the display device.

It is a technical advantage of the present invention that the system uses a single camera to record multiple perspectives of the target area.

It is a further technical advantage of the present invention to process images recorded by the first camera using a computer. Processing images with a computer allows images which appear unfocused or distorted to be selectively corrected.

It is a technical advantage of the present system to provide a simple display device operable to display a series of multiple perspective images. This allows the multiple perspective images to be displayed at a low cost.

It is yet another technical advantage of the present system to transmit normalized two dimensional images recorded by the system over a network to a selected location to be digitally processed to view multiple perspectives of the recorded subject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:

FIGURE la is a diagram showing a simplified imaging system; FIGURE lb is a diagram showing three perspective views; FIGURE 2 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an imaging system having a plurality of reflective surfaces disposed around a target area;

FIGURE 3 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an imaging system having a single reflective member disposed around a target area;

FIGURE 4 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an imaging system having multiple reflective surfaces surrounding a subject from multiple perspectives along multiple planes;

FIGURE 5 is a diagram showing a viewer assembly for displaying three dimensional multiperspective images;

FIGURE 6 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a viewer assembly for displaying three dimensional multiperspective images;

FIGURE 7 is a printed sheet of images recorded by an imaging system according to teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring to FIGURE la, a simplified imaging system, indicated generally at 10, is shown to demonstrate the present invention. System 10 has a camera 12, back reflective member 14, side reflective member 16, and front reflective member 18. A target 20 stands in the middle of the reflective members 14,16 and 18. Camera 12 is directed downward such that it records images on back reflective member 14, side reflective member 16, and front reflective member 18. Light from the back of target 20 travels along a back perspective reflective path 22, reflecting off back reflective member 14 and to camera 12 for recording. Back reflective member 14 is positioned such that when target 20 stands at a selected location, a desired image of the back of target 20 will be reflected from back reflective member 14 to camera 12 traveling along back perspective reflective path 22. Similarly, side reflective member 16 is positioned such that light from the side of target 20 reflects off of side reflective member 16, traveling along side perspective reflective path 24 to camera 12 for recording. Front reflective member 18 is positioned such that light from the front of target 20 reflects off of front reflective member 18 and travels along front perspective reflective path 26 to camera 12 for recording.

Camera 12 may then record an image containing three perspectives, front, side, and back, of target 20. The recorded image may then be processed using a computer (not expressly shown) to produce a separate image of each of the three perspectives.

FIGURE lb show three perspective images of target 20 produced from the image recorded by camera 12 and processed. A back perspective image 28, a side perspective image 30, and a front perspective image 32 are produced from a single image recorded by camera 12. In this demonstrative embodiment, camera 12 is a digital camera. The digital image recorded by camera 12 is loaded onto a computer interfaced with camera 12. The computer processes the image by digitally normalizing the portions of the image showing back reflective member 14, side reflective member 16, and front reflective member 18. Those portions of the image are then made into the separate perspective images 28, 30, and 32. Because the portions of the image recorded by camera 12 may be unfocused or distorted, processing the image also includes normalizing or otherwise selectively manipulating the separate images 28, 30, and 32 to create separate images having a selected normalization and proportion.

Now referring to FIGURE 2 , an embodiment of an imaging system, referred to generally at 50 is depicted having multiple reflective surfaces disposed around a target. System 50 includes first camera 52 and second camera 53 directed at a first reflective surface 54. System 50 further includes plurality of reflective members 56 selectively positioned around target 60 such that light from target 60 is reflected from plurality of reflective members 56 to first reflective member 54 along reflection paths 62. Each of the plurality of reflective members 56 reflects a different perspective of target 60 to first reflective member 54. First camera 52 and second camera 53 are positioned to record an image of first reflective surface 54 showing multiple perspectives of target 60.

First camera 52 and second camera 53 are both digital cameras. First camera 52 and second camera 53 are disposed proximate to one another operable to create three dimensional effects. Simply, the two cameras record images from two slightly different perspectives, such as 2.5 inches apart, like a pair human eyes. The images recorded by cameras 52 and 53 are processed into two series of images from two different perspectives. Each series are colored; for example the series from first camera 52 may be colored blue-green and the series from second camera 53 may be colored red. The two series of images then are superimposed. The image formed will typically appear blurred to the naked eye. However, when viewed through lenses with color filters, each eye sees only one of the images, or series of images. Viewing the superimposed perspectives simultaneously allows the viewer to see depth, creating three dimensional visual effects. Alternatively, the series of perspective images from first camera 52 and second camera 53 may be displayed within a viewer such that a series of perspective images recorded by first camera 52 is displayed only to one eye while a corresponding series of images recorded by second camera 53 is displayed to the other eye. Such an embodiment is described below.

Plurality of reflective members 56 have a plurality of reflective or mirrored members selectively disposed surrounding target 60. Plurality of reflective members 56 may be disposed around target 60 and at an angle 64 with respect to horizontal to reflect perspectives of target 60 to first reflective member 14. Plurality of reflective members 56 may be disposed in a substantially circular pattern as shown in the present embodiment. Alternatively, plurality of reflective surfaces 56 may be disposed in a noncircular pattern which may or may not surround target 60.

A processor 66 interfaces with system 50 for processing images recorded by first camera 52 and second camera 53. In the present embodiment processor 66 is a computer. In the present embodiment images are processed to create a series of images of multiple perspectives of target area 58 and target 60 from the images recorded by either or both first camera 52 and second camera 53. Images recorded substantially simultaneously by first camera 52 and second camera 53 may be separately processed to produce two series of images of multiple perspectives of the target area, as seen from two slightly different perspectives. These series of images may then separately colored and then superimposed to create three dimensional images . The superimposed image may then be viewed through filtered lenses to view the three dimensional visual effects.

In operation, first camera 52 and second camera 53 are directed at first reflective member 54. First camera 52, second camera 53, and first reflective member 14 are selectively positioned with respect to one another and with respect to plurality of reflective members 56. Each of the plurality of reflective members 56 may be supported by a framework operable to selectively position individual reflective members 56. This positioning reflects light from a plurality of perspectives of target 60 off of plurality of reflective members 56 to first reflective member 54 along reflection paths 62.

First camera 52 and second camera 53 record an image of first reflective member 54 which contains multiple perspectives of target 60. The recorded image then may be loaded into processor 66 and processed into a series of images depicting multiple perspectives of target 110 within target area 18. The series of images may be displayed on a component of a viewer, described below or stored on a video tape, digital video disk, computer file or another suitable medium. Related series of images, processed from images recorded substantially simultaneously by first camera 52 and second camera 53 may be processed and displayed to create three dimensional visual effects as described above. Referring now to FIGURE 3 , an imaging system, indicated generally at 100, is depicted. System 100 includes camera 102, first reflective member 104 second reflective member 106, and computer 112. In this embodiment, camera 102 is a digital camera. In alternative embodiments, camera 102 may be a traditional camera or another suitable imaging device which may be converted for use in a digital or traditional format.

In the present embodiment first reflective member 104 has a curved configuration such as a conical configuration with a reflective or mirrored exterior surface. In an alternative embodiment, first reflective member 104 may have two or more distinct reflective surfaces. First reflective member 104 may further have a non-conical configuration such as a ring, partial ring, sphere, hemisphere, partial hemisphere, or another current configuration suitable to reflect images to camera 102 from a second reflective member 106 as described below. Second reflective member 106 is a reflective ring with a reflective or mirrored interior portion. Second reflective member 106 and first reflective member 104 are positioned around target 110 such that light flows from target 110 along reflective paths 116 off second reflective member 106 and to first reflective member 104. Camera 102 then records an image of reflective member 104, containing multiple perspectives of target 110.

In an alternative embodiment, reflective member 16 may have other configurations having curved surfaces such as a ring or partial ring, a hemisphere, or another suitable surface for reflecting multiple perspectives of target 110. These alternative reflective members act to encircle or partially encircle target 110 and reflect multiple perspectives of target 110 to first reflective member 104. The interior portion of second reflective member 106 may further include a plurality of reflective surfaces. For example, second reflective member 14 may be a series of flat reflective surfaces arranged in a ring, surrounding target 110.

In operation, target 110 is such that first reflective member 104 and second reflective member 106 reflect multiple perspectives of target 110 to camera 102. First reflective member 104 and second reflective member 106 may reflect a front perspective, back perspective, side perspectives, and a plurality of perspectives between these respective perspectives of target 110. While these perspectives encircle target 110 in a substantially horizontal plane, in an alternative embodiment perspectives in a non-horizontal plane such as a series of top to bottom perspectives through the vertical plane of target area 18 may be recorded. In an alternative embodiment the perspectives recorded by camera 102 do not encircle target area 108. For example, in an embodiment having a second reflective member with a half-ring configuration, the perspectives recorded will not completely encircle target area 108. Target 110 may be one or more individuals, animals, or objects for whom multiple perspective images may be desired. This may include, but is not limited to, capturing multiple perspective images at special events, for identification purposes, such as police mug shots, or for motion pictures. For example, system 100 may be used at an amusement park or carnival to allow patrons to have a keepsake showing multiple perspectives of themselves with their friends and family.

The system may also be used at a more formal event such as a wedding or a prom. In such a formal situation it may be desirable to use a reflective surface or reflective surfaces that are less noticeable. For instance, the system may be set up to record multiple perspectives of the prom queen as she walks down a stairway. In this embodiment the system may use reflections from a curved, reflective handrail, reflective slats, or other reflective surfaces along the stairway to record multiple perspectives of the prom queen.

The system may also be used to record multiple perspectives of an event such as a sporting event. Multiple reflective members may be arranged within a stadium or arena to reflect multiple perspectives of the event to a camera. This may be advantageous in replaying an event from a plurality of selected perspectives. The system may also be used to multiple perspectives of an object in an electronic business setting. For example, the system may provide multiple perspective images along multiple planes, as shown in FIGURE 4, to provide a potential buyer of an object to view the object from multiple perspectives along multiple planes.

The present embodiment further includes a computer 112 interfaced with camera 102 via connection 114. Computer 112 is operable to process images recorded by camera 102 of multiple perspectives of target 110. Computer 112 may be a personal computer, a workstation, a server or another suitable computer for processing the image of multiple perspectives of target area 18 recorded by camera 102. Computer 112 preferably includes a microprocessor, a computer readable memory, a visual interface such as a monitor, and an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. Computer 112 may also encompass a network of computers such as the Internet, the Ethernet, or a Local Area Network. Connection 114 allows computer 112 to receive images recorded by camera 102 in real time. The images received by computer 112 may then be processed in real time. While this embodiment includes computer 112 interfaced with camera 102, in an alternative embodiment, computer 112 may function remotely from and unconnected to camera 102; film or data files containing the multiple perspective image recorded by camera 102 may be loaded onto computer 112 for processing.

The image recorded by camera 12 of the multiple perspectives generally appears unfocused or otherwise distorted from the curvature of either the first reflective member, the second reflective member, or both. Accordingly, computer 112 processes the image by digitally normalizing each perspective of target 110 and creating a separate image for each perspective.

This may include dividing the image recorded by camera 102 into a plurality of images from a plurality of perspectives. Alternatively, processing the image may include processing the entire image or a portion of the image to obtain each of the multiple perspectives. The processing of the image may incorporate software applications provided by systems such as True Space or Pro/ENGINEER by Parametric Technology Corp..

Alternatively, the processing of the image may be calibrated manually. One method of calibrating the processing manually is to a provide a standardized subject such as a cube with a a standard grid displayed on its surfaces. The standard subject may then be recorded. The recorded image may appear distorted such that the standard grid displayed on the subject may not appear as a nonstandard grid. The recorded image may then be selectively normalized, enlarging or decreasing selected portions of the recorded image such that the recorded image displays a standard grid. This step may be used as a calibration to process or normalize the images of other subjects recorded by the system. This calibration process may also be repeated from different perspectives to calibrate the processing or normalization steps from these different perspectives. In operation, camera 102 is preferably directed at first reflective member 104. Camera 102 and reflective member 104 are selectively arranged within a studio, at an event site, or at another suitable location where recording a multiple perspective image is desired. Camera 102 and first reflective member 104 may be suspended or otherwise supported from a ceiling, boom, scaffold, or another suitable frame (not expressly shown) . Camera 102 and first reflective member 104 are selectively positioned with respect to one another and with respect to second reflective member 106.

Second reflective member 106 is positioned around target 110. Second reflective member may be supported by a framework (not expressly shown) or may include a self supporting construction. Second reflective member 106 may be selectively positionable via positioner elements

(not expressly shown) disposed adjacent a bottom portion of second reflective member 106 which may selectively position the height of second reflective member 106.

Target 110 is preferably placed within the interior portion of second. Second reflective member 106 may be raised to allow subject to enter or be placed within target area 108. Alternatively, second reflective member 106 may include a hinged section (not expressly shown) that can be opened to access the interior of second reflective member 106. Multiple perspectives of target 110 within target area 108 reflect off second reflection member 106 to first reflection member 104 along reflection paths 116.

Camera 102 may record the image of first reflective member 104 of multiple perspectives of target 110. The recorded image then may be transmitted to and processed by computer 112 into a series of images depicting multiple perspectives of target 110 within target area 108. The series of images may be displayed on a component of a viewer, described below or displayed in series on a video tape, digital video disk, computer file or another suitable medium.

Now referring to FIGURE 4, a diagram showing one embodiment of an imaging system having multiple reflective surfaces surrounding a subject from multiple perspectives along multiple planes is depicted. The system includes hemispheres 201 surrounding subject 200. Subject 200 is positioned on transparent shelf 203, plurality of cameras 202 are selectively disposed around the system. In this embodiment, the interior portions of hemispheres 201 have a partial reflectivity such that cameras 202 may view subject 200 from the exterior of hemispheres 201 and the reflections of subject 200 with the exterior of hemispheres 201. Hemispheres 201 may be constructed of plexiglass or another suitable, transparent material. Transparent shelf 203 includes an interface with hemispheres 201 such that the shelf 203 adequately supports subject 200. Transparent shelf 203 may be constructed of glass, plexiglass, or another suitable material. Cameras 202 are positioned to capture multiple perspective images of subject 200 such that multiple perspectives of the subject 200 may be recorded along multiple planes. The recorded images may then be processed into multiple perspective, multiplane images. In this embodiment, substantially all perspectives of subject 200 may be available after processing.

The multiple perspective, multiple plane images recorded by the system may then be used, for example, to provided images of a subject from multiple perspectives, over a network. In one embodiment, a user may visit an Internet site and selectively display images of a selected subject from multiple perspectives along multiple planes. For example, a prospective buyer of an automobile or of a piece of clothing may selectively view series of different perspectives of the subject in two dimensions or in three dimensions. Effectively, the user is able to selectively roll, pitch, and yaw the subject through different planes.

Now referring to FIGURE 5 , a diagram showing a viewer assembly for displaying three dimensional multiperspective images is depicted. The viewer is indicated generally at 120 and includes viewer body 122, display sleeve 123, viewer advance member 124, rotator 126, and lens assembly 127. Viewer body 122 is a substantially cylindrical body with one closed end and one open end. Display sleeve 123 is a transparent sleeve formed with the interior of viewer body 122 such that a sheet of multiple perspective images, as shown in FIGURES 7A and 7B may be inserted into the sleeve for viewing. Viewer advance member 124 interfaces with viewer body 122, rotator, and lens assembly 127 such that as rotator 126 operates, viewer advance member 124 turns and lens assembly 127 advances into the interior of viewer body 122. Continued operation of rotator 126 advances lens assembly 127 the length of viewer body 122.

Lens assembly 127 includes first lens 128, second lens 136, first lens tube 132, second lens tube 140, first mirror 134, and second mirror 142. First lens 128 is disposed on an end of first lens tube 132. Second lens 136 is disposed on an end of second lens tube 140. Lens tube 132 directs the view of lens 128 to first mirror 134. First mirror 134 directs the view through lens 128 to a portion of display sleeve 123 within viewer body 122. Second lens tube 140 directs the view through second lens tube 140 to second mirror 142. Second mirror 142 directs the view through second lens 136 to a portion of display sleeve 123 within viewer body 122.

First shutter 130 is disposed within first lens tube 132 such that first shutter 130 may selectively block the view through first lens tube 132. Second shutter 138 is disposed within second lens tube 140 such that second shutter 138 may selectively block the view through second lens tube 140. In one embodiment, first shutter 130 and second shutter 138 are activated mechanically in cooperation with rotator 126 and display device 124. Alternatively, first shutter 130 and second shutter 138 may be an electronic shutter such as an LCD shutter acting in cooperation with rotator 126 and display device 124 mechanically, electrically, opti-electrically, or in another suitable manner. In another alternative embodiment, a strobe may cooperate with rotator 126 to selectively illuminate the images displayed on display device 124 instead of using first shutter 130 and second shutter 138.

Viewer advance member 124 is a threaded component operable to interface with and advance lens assembly 127. Multiple perspective images in display sleeve 123 are located proximate to first mirror 134 and second mirror 142 when introduced into viewer body 122. In this position, the multiple perspective images reflect off mirrors 134 and 142, and through lens tubes 132 and 140 to lenses 128 and 136.

In operation, a user looks through lenses 128 and 136. Looking through lenses 128 and 136, mirrors 134 and 142 direct light from the images displayed in display sleeve 123 to lenses 128 and 136. The series of images are displayed such that corresponding images for three dimensional viewing are displayed on opposite sides of display device 124 such that a first multiple perspective image may be viewed with one eye through first lens 128 while a corresponding image is viewed through the second lens 136 with the other eye. The corresponding images are images taken at substantially the same time from two slightly different perspectives to create three dimensional effects.

When the user operates rotator 126, lens assembly advances into the interior of viewer body 122. As display device 124 advances, the next multiperspective images displayed in display sleeve 123 are located proximate first mirror 134 and second mirror 142 for viewing. As rotator 126 advances lens assembly 127, rotator 126 cooperates with shutters 130 and 138. As display device 124 advances shutters 130 and 136 momentarily block the view through lenses 128 and 136. This allows three dimensional viewing of the series of multiple perspective images.

Now referring to FIGURE 5 a diagram showing another embodiment of a viewer assembly for displaying three dimensional multiperspective images is depicted. The viewer, indicated generally at 150, includes viewer body 152, display device 154, rotator 156, first lens 158, first lens tube 162, second lens 164, and second lens tube 168. Viewer body 152, rotator 156, and display device 154, operate in a similar manner to corresponding components disclosed in FIGURE 4. First lens tube 162 and second lens tube 168 interface with the viewer body 152 through the side of viewer body 152. Lens 158 is disposed on the end of first lens tube 162. First shutter 160 is disposed within first lens tube 162. Second lens 164 is disposed on the end of second lens tube 168. Second shutter 166 is disposed within second lens tube 168. First lens tube 162 and second lens tube 168 are directed to an interior portion of viewer body 152 for viewing multiperspective images on display device 154.

First lens tube 168 may be adjusted along angle 170 such that the distance between first lens 158 and second lens 164 is selectively adjustable. First shutter 160 and second shutter 166 may be electronic shutters or mechanical shutters. Shutters 160 and 166 operate in cooperation with rotator 156 and display device 154 such that first shutter 160 and second shutter 166 selectively obstruct the view along first lens tube 162 and second lens tube 168 as display device 154 advances into the interior of viewer body 152. Shutter 160 and second shutter 166 are disposed proximate first lens 158 and second lens 164 respectively.

In an alternative embodiment viewer body 152 may take the form of a drinking cup. In another alternative embodiment first lens tube 162 and second lens tube 168 may be directed at a computer screen. The computer screen may then display a series of multiple perspective images such that multiperspective images are viewed through first lens tube 162 and second lens tube 168.

Now referring to FIGURES 7A and 7B, a printed sheet of images recorded by an imaging system according to teachings of the present invention is depicted. Series of images are printed in rows 310 and columns 312 on a sheet. In the present embodiment, related series of images from the right perspective 314 and the left perspective 316 are printed on adjacent rows 310 for viewing three dimensional images. In this embodiment the series of images is on a 8 1/2 by 11 sheet and may then be trimmed and inserted into display sleeve 123 of the viewer body 122 depicted in FIGURE 5. The sheet of images may be printed using a standard printer on various standard and nonstandard paper sizes or may be printed using conventional photo processing techniques.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific preferred embodiments thereof, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art and it is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An imaging system comprising: a first reflective member having at least one reflective surface; a first camera directed at the first reflective member; a second reflective member having at least one reflective surface positioned around a target such that the first reflective member and the second reflective member reflect multiple perspectives of the target to the first camera; and a processor interfaced with the first camera operable to process an image recorded by the first camera into a series of multiple perspective images.

2. The imaging system of Claim 1 wherein the first camera comprises a digital camera.

3. The imaging system of Claim 1 further comprising a second camera positioned proximate the first camera such that the first reflective surface and the second reflective member reflect multiple perspectives of the target to the second camera.

4. The imaging system of Claim 3 wherein: the first camera comprises a digital camera; and the second camera comprises a digital camera.

5. The imaging system of Claim 1 wherein the second reflective member comprises a reflective ring.

Claims

6. The imaging system of Claim 1 wherein the second reflective member comprises a curved reflective surface.

7. The imaging system of Claim 1 further comprising a plurality of reflective members selectively positioned around the target such that the first reflective surface and the plurality of reflective members reflect multiple perspectives of the target to the first camera.

8. The imaging system of Claim 1 further comprising: at least one reflective member positioned around the target substantially forming a sphere around the target; a plurality of cameras disposed around the sphere formed around the target.

9. The imaging system of Claim 1 further comprising : a first camera operable to record the multiple perspectives of the target; and a viewer device operable to display the multiple perspectives of the target.

10. The imaging system of Claim 1 wherein the processor further comprises a computer interfaced with the first camera.

11. The imaging system of Claim 10 further comprising the computer operable to digitally normalize a plurality of perspectives of the target.

12. The imaging system of Claim 11 further comprising the computer operable to transmit a plurality of perspective images over a computer network.

13. A viewer for presenting multiple perspective images comprising: a viewer body having a first lens portion; a display device operable to display a series of multiple perspective images, the display device disposed within the viewer body adjacent the first lens portion; and a rotator coupled to the display device operable to selectively rotate the display device such that images within the series of multiple perspective images are consecutively displayed adjacent the first lens portion.

14. The viewer of Claim 13 further comprising a first lens disposed within the viewer body.

15. The viewer of Claim 13 wherein the display device further comprises a substantially cylindrical component operable to display the series of multiple perspective images in a helical configuration on the exterior surface of the substantially cylindrical component .

16. The viewer of Claim 13 wherein the display device comprises a substantially cylindrical component operable to display the series of multiple perspective images on the exterior surface of the substantially cylindrical component.

17. The viewer of Claim 13 further' comprising a shutter disposed within the housing proximate the lens.

18. The viewer of Claim 13 wherein ^■ the display device comprises a disk shaped component operable to display the series of multiple perspective images on an

^• the exterior surface.

19. The viewer of Claim 13 wherein the viewer body comprises a drinking cup.

20. The viewer of Claim 13 wherein the display device comprises a computer.

21. A method for recording multiple perspectives of a target comprising: directing a camera at a first reflective surface; reflecting multiple perspectives image of a target off a second reflective member to the first reflective member to the camera; recording an image of the multiple perspectives reflected on the first reflective member; and processing the image into a series of multiple perspective images.

22. The imaging method of Claim 21 further comprising positioning a plurality of reflective members around the target such that the first reflective surface and the plurality of reflective surfaces reflect a plurality of perspectives of the target to the first camera .

23. The imaging method of Claim 21 further comprising processing the multiple perspective image using a computer interfaced with the first camera.

24. The imaging method of Claim 23 further comprising displaying the series of multiple perspective images on a viewer.

25. A method for recording multiple perspectives of a target comprising: directing a camera at a first reflective surface; reflecting multiple perspectives image of a target to a camera; recording an image of the multiple perspectives with the camera; and processing the image into a series of multiple perspective images.

26. The imaging system of Claim 10 further comprising the computer operable to digitally normalize a plurality of perspectives of the target.

27. The imaging system of Claim 26 further comprising the computer operable to transmit a plurality of perspective images over a computer network.