title: Rugged, obstruction-free, mirror-lens combination for panoramic imaging.
abstract: We present a new combination of lenses and reflective surfaces for obstruction-free wide-angle imaging. The panoramic imaging system consists of a reflective surface machined into solid Perspex, which together with an embedded lens, can be attached to a video camera lens. Unlike vision sensors with a single mirror mounted in front of a camera, the view in the forward direction (i.e., the direction of the optical axis) is not obstructed. Light rays contributing to the central region of the image are refracted at a centrally positioned lens and at the Perspex enclosure. For the outer image region, rays are reflected at a mirror surface of constant angular gain machined into the Perspex and coated with silver. The design produces a field of view of approximately 260 degrees with only a small separation of viewpoints. The shape of the enclosing Perspex is specifically designed in order to minimize internal reflections.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology and Center of Excellence Cognitive Interaction Technology, Bielefeld University, P.O. Box 100131, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany. wolfgang.stuerzl@uni-bielefeld.de
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Stürzl
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Soccol
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zeil
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Boeddeker
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Srinivasan
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007909:Lenses; D015233:Models, Statistical; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods; D014741:Video Recording