U.S. patent application number 09/999282 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-21 for panoramic imaging arrangement.
This patent application is currently assigned to Be Here Corporation. Invention is credited to Bacho, Edward V., Carbo, Jorge E. JR., Driscoll, Edward C. JR., Furlani, John L., Lomax, Willard C., Parris, James E., Wallerstein, Edward P..
Application Number | 20020034020 09/999282 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22478492 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020034020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wallerstein, Edward P. ; et
al. |
March 21, 2002 |
Panoramic imaging arrangement
Abstract
According to one aspect the invention, a panoramic imaging
arrangement is provided which includes at least a first lens block
including a convex reflective surface and a transparent component.
The convex reflective surface has a substantially vertically
extending axis of revolution and is capable of receiving light from
a 360.degree. surrounding panoramic scene, and reflecting the light
for further manipulation. The transparent component covers the
convex reflective surface. The convex reflective surface is thereby
protected from environmental conditions which may otherwise result
in damage to the convex reflective surface.
Inventors: |
Wallerstein, Edward P.;
(Pleasanton, CA) ; Driscoll, Edward C. JR.;
(Portola Valley, CA) ; Lomax, Willard C.;
(Sunnyvale, CA) ; Parris, James E.; (Pacifica,
CA) ; Furlani, John L.; (Belmont, CA) ; Bacho,
Edward V.; (Sunnyvale, CA) ; Carbo, Jorge E. JR.;
(Los Altos, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BE HERE CORPORATION
20300 STEVENS CREEK BLVD
SUITE 100B
CUPERTINO
CA
95014-2241
US
|
Assignee: |
Be Here Corporation
20300 Stevens Creek Blvd. Suite 100B
Cupertino
CA
95014-2226
|
Family ID: |
22478492 |
Appl. No.: |
09/999282 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09999282 |
Nov 26, 2001 |
|
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09137660 |
Aug 20, 1998 |
|
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09137660 |
Aug 20, 1998 |
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08872525 |
Jun 11, 1997 |
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60020292 |
Jun 24, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
359/725 ;
348/E5.055; 348/E7.087; 359/727 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/2628 20130101;
G08B 13/19628 20130101; G08B 13/1963 20130101; H04N 7/183 20130101;
G08B 13/19682 20130101; G06T 3/0062 20130101; G08B 13/19626
20130101; G02B 13/06 20130101; G02B 17/0896 20130101; G03B 37/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
359/725 ;
359/727 |
International
Class: |
G02B 013/06; G02B
017/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A panoramic imaging arrangement comprising: at least one lens
having a substantially vertical axis of revolution, the lens having
a convex spherical reflective surface capable of receiving light
from a substantially 360.degree. surrounding panoramic scene and
reflecting the light received from the panoramic scene.
2. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 1 further comprising
apparatus positioned to receive light reflected by the convex
spherical reflective surface and capable of correcting at least one
aberration of the light.
3. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 2 wherein the
apparatus corrects astigmatism of the light.
4. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 2 wherein the
apparatus does color correction of the light.
5. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 2 wherein the
apparatus focuses the light.
6. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 5 wherein, after
focusing the light, an image is created wherein f-theta is less
than 1.
7. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 6 wherein f-theta is
more than 0.5.
8. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 6 that includes a
digital image connector capable of reading the image and adjusting
f-theta closer to 1.
9. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 2 wherein the
apparatus creates a flattened image plane when the light is
focused.
10. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 2 wherein the convex
spherical reflective surface is capable of receiving light for an
unbroken included angle of at least 80.degree., in a vertical
plane, whereafter the light from the entire included angle is
received by the manipulation apparatus.
11. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 10 wherein the
included angle extends from an angle below the horizon to an angle
above the horizon.
12. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 1 further comprising
a transparent component covering the convex reflective surface, the
transparent component having a spherical outer surface through
which the light from the panoramic scene passes before reaching the
reflective surface.
13. A panoramic imaging arrangement comprising: at least one lens
having a substantially vertical axis of revolution, the lens being
capable of receiving light from substantially a 360.degree.
panoramic scene surrounding the lens for an unbroken included angle
of at least 60.degree., in a vertical plane, extending from an
angle below the horizon to an angle above the horizon, and altering
the direction of the light received from the panoramic scene; and a
light manipulation apparatus positioned and capable of receiving
light from the lens for the entire included angle.
14. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 13 wherein the lens
has a spherical surface altering the direction of the light.
15. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 14 wherein the lens
has a reflective surface which reflects the light.
16. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 15 wherein the
reflective surface is convex.
17. The panoramic imaging arrangement of claim 16 wherein the
reflective surface is spherical.
18. Apparatus for capturing a panoramic scene, the apparatus
comprising: a vertically extending support structure; a lower lens
block secured to an upper end of the support structure; an upper
lens block secured to the lower lens block in a position above the
lower lens block, the upper lens block having convex, outer surface
having a vertically extending axis of revolution; a convex
reflective surface on the upper lens block wherein light from a
substantially 360.degree. surrounding panoramic scene passes
through the convex outer surface of the upper lens block into the
upper lens block, the light is then reflected off the convex
reflective surface, and the light then passes through the upper
lens block and then through the lower lens block.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 that includes a system of lenses,
positioned below the lower lens block to receive the light after
passing through the lower lens block.
20. A method of mounting a panoramic lens arrangement which
includes a first lens block including a convex reflective surface
having a vertically extending axis of revolution, a transparent
component covering the reflective surface, and a second lens block
located on the first lens block, the method comprising: securing
the second lens block to a support structure in a position so that
light from a substantially 360.degree. surrounding panoramic scene
passes through the transparent component, whereafter the light is
reflected by the convex reflective surface, whereafter the light
passes through the second lens block.
21. A method of capturing a panoramic scene, comprising: reflecting
light, received from a 360.degree. surrounding panoramic scene from
a convex spherical reflective surface; and correcting at least one
characteristic of the light reflected from the convex spherical
reflective surface, the characteristic being selected of the group
consisting of: astigmatism; color; f-theta; and image plane
flatness.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the convex spherical reflective
surface receives light for an unbroken included angle of at least
60.degree., in a vertical plane, whereafter the light from the
entire included angle is corrected.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein the included angle extends from
an angle below the horizon to an angle above the horizon.
24. A method of capturing a panoramic scene, comprising: receiving
light from a 360 surrounding panoramic scene for an unbroken
included angle of at least 60.degree., in a vertical plane,
extending from an angle below the horizon to an angle above the
horizon; altering the direction of the light received from the
panoramic scene; and correcting at least one characteristic the
light after altering its direction, the characteristic being
selected from the group consisting of: astigmatism; color; f-theta;
and image plane flatness.
Description
[0001] This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/137,660 filed Aug. 20, 1998 now U.S. Pat.
No. ______ that is a is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/872,525 filed Jun. 11, 1997 (pending) which
claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
60/020,292 filed Jun. 24, 1996.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1). Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a panoramic imaging arrangement of
the kind capable of capturing, focusing, correcting aberrations and
otherwise manipulating light received from a 360.degree.
surrounding panoramic scene, and to a method of capturing a
360.degree. surrounding panoramic scene.
[0004] 2). Discussion of Related Art
[0005] Panoramic imaging arrangements have become popular in recent
years for purposes of viewing 360.degree. surrounding panoramic
scenes. Older generations of panoramic imaging arrangements
generally consisted of revolving periscope-like constructions
having relatively complex mechanisms for revolving them. More
recently, stationary panoramic imaging arrangements have been
developed. A stationary panoramic imaging arrangement generally has
one or more lenses, each having a vertically extending axis of
revolution, which are used to refract or reflect light received
from a 360.degree. surrounding panoramic scene. The lenses alter
the direction of the light, whereafter the light passes through a
series of lenses which are located vertically one above the other
and which further manipulate the light by, for example, focusing
the light or altering the intensity of the light.
[0006] The task of receiving light in a sideways direction and
altering the direction of the light so that the light then proceeds
in a vertical direction is a difficult one. Altering the direction
of light to such a degree, especially when coming from a
360.degree. surrounding scene, oftentimes leads to aberrations in
the resulting light. These aberrations may include astigmatism of
the light, defects in color of the light, a loss of image plane
flatness, and other defects, some of which are discussed in more
detail herein below.
[0007] Relatively complex lenses and lens arrangements have been
developed in order to overcome these aberrations. Some of these
lenses have surfaces which are aspherical (see for example U.S.
Pat. No. 5,473,474 issued to Powell). Aspherical lenses are
difficult to manufacture and therefore less practical to
manufacture than for example spherical lenses.
[0008] One reason why aberrations in light occur is due to the use
of refractive lenses instead of reflective lenses. The use of
refractive lenses results in aberrations in color of the resulting
light, whereas the use of reflective, or mirror lenses does not
result in, or cause minimal aberrations in color of the light
reflected from them. One reason for the lack of the use of
reflective lenses, on the other hand, is that reflective lenses,
when exposed to the environment, degrade through time, resulting in
loss of image.
[0009] These and other aberrations in light are more prominent when
light is received from a panoramic view at a relatively large
lateral included angle, particularly if the included angle, in a
vertical plane, is larger than 90.degree. and especially if the
included angle extends from an angle below the horizon to an angle
above the horizon, i.e. covering substantially more than a
hemisphere.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a panoramic
imaging arrangement is provided comprising at least a first lens
block including a convex reflective surface and a transparent lens.
The convex reflective surface has a substantially vertical axis of
revolution and is capable of receiving light from a 360.degree.
surrounding panoramic scene, and reflecting the light for further
manipulation. The transparent lens has a convex outer surface and
covers the convex reflective surface. The convex reflective surface
is thereby protected from environmental conditions which may
otherwise result in damage to the convex reflective surface. An
additional advantage is that a convex cover introduces fewer
aberrations and internal reflections.
[0011] The convex reflective surface may, for ease of fabrication,
be substantially spherical.
[0012] The transparent component may, for ease of fabrication, have
a spherical outer surface thorough which light from the panoramic
scene passes before reaching the convex reflective surface.
[0013] The panoramic imaging arrangement may include a second lens
block secured to the first lens block. Light, reflected by the
convex reflective surface, may pass through the transparent
component, whereafter the light may pass through the second lens
block. The second lens block provides a way for the first lens
block to be held without obscuring its field of view.
[0014] The convex reflective surface is preferably capable of
receiving light for an unbroken included angle of at least
60.degree. in a vertical plane, from the panoramic scene, and
reflecting the light so as to pass through the second lens
block.
[0015] The included angle preferably extends from an angle below
the horizon to an angle above the horizon. The panoramic imaging
arrangement is therefore capable of capturing more than just a
hemispherical scene. The angle below the horizon is preferably at
least 30.degree. below the horizon and the angle above the horizon
is preferably at least 30.degree. above the horizon.
[0016] A transparent optical cement may be located between the
first and second lens blocks and secure the first and second lens
blocks to one another.
[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a panoramic
imaging arrangement is provided which includes at least a first
lens block including a convex reflective surface and a transparent
component. The convex reflective surface has a substantially
vertical axis of revolution. The convex reflective surface is
capable of receiving light from a 360.degree. surrounding panoramic
scene for an unbroken included angle, in a vertical plane extending
from an angle below the horizon to an angle above the horizon. The
convex reflective surface is capable of reflecting the light for
further manipulation. The transparent component covers the
reflective surface.
[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention, a panoramic
imaging arrangement is provided comprising at least one lens having
a substantially vertical axis of revolution and a convex spherical
reflective surface capable of receiving light from a 360.degree.
surrounding panoramic scene and reflecting the light received from
the panoramic scene. Reflective surfaces cause less aberrations in
color, convex reflective lenses require less power, and spherical
lenses are easier to manufacture.
[0019] Apparatus is preferably provided which is positioned to
receive light reflected by the convex spherical reflective surface
and is capable of correcting at least one aberration of the
light.
[0020] The apparatus preferably manipulates the light so as to
correct astigmatism, so as to do color correction, to focus the
light, to adjust f-theta closer to a desired level, or so as to
create a flat image plane when the light is focused.
[0021] The convex spherical reflective surface is preferably
capable of receiving light for an unbroken included angle of at
least 60.degree., in a vertical plane, whereafter the light from
the entire included angle is received by the manipulation
apparatus.
[0022] The included angle preferably extends from an angle below
the horizon to an angle above the horizon.
[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention, a panoramic
imaging arrangement is provided comprising at least one lens, and
light manipulation apparatus. The lens has a substantially vertical
axis of revolution. The lens is also capable of receiving light
from a 360.degree. panoramic scene surrounding the lens for an
unbroken included angle of at least 60.degree., in a vertical
plane, extending from an angle below the horizon to an angle above
the horizon. The lens is further capable of altering the direction
of the light received from the panoramic scene. The light
manipulation apparatus is positioned and capable of receiving light
from the lens for the entire included angle. One advantage of such
a lens is that a relatively large included angle, extending from
below to above the horizon, can be viewed.
[0024] The lens preferably has a spherical surface altering the
direction of the light.
[0025] The lens may have a reflective surface which reflects the
light. The reflective surface may be convex and is preferably
spherical.
[0026] According to yet a further aspect of the invention,
apparatus is provided for capturing a panoramic scene. The
apparatus comprises a vertical support structure, lower and upper
lens blocks, and a convex reflective surface. The lower lens block
is secured to an upper end of the support structure. The upper lens
block is secured to the lower lens block in a position above the
lower lens block and has a convex outer surface having a
substantially vertical axis of revolution. The convex reflective
surface is located on the upper lens block. Light from a
360.degree. surrounding panoramic scene is capable of passing
through the convex outer surface of the upper lens block into the
upper lens block, the light is then reflected off the convex
reflective surface, and the light then passes through the upper
lens block and then through the lower lens block. In such an
apparatus there is little obscuring of the panoramic view by the
support structure.
[0027] The apparatus for capturing the panoramic scene preferably
includes a system of lenses positioned below the lower lens block
to receive light after passing through the lower lens block.
[0028] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, a method
is provided of mounting a panoramic lens arrangement including a
first lens block which includes a convex reflective surface having
a substantially vertical axis of revolution, and a transparent
component covering the reflective surface, and a second lens block
located on the first lens block. The method includes the step of
securing the second lens block to a support structure in a position
so that light from a 360.degree. surrounding panoramic scene passes
through the transparent component, whereafter the light is
reflected by the convex reflective surface, whereafter the light
passes through the second block.
[0029] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, a method
of capturing a panoramic scene is provided. Light, received from a
360.degree. panoramic scene surrounding a convex spherical
reflective surface, is reflected from the convex spherical
reflective surface. The light reflected from the convex spherical
reflective surface may then be corrected for at least one
characteristic of the light, the characteristic being selected from
the group consisting of: astigmatism; color; f-theta and image
flatness.
[0030] The convex spherical reflective surface preferably receives
light for an unbroken included angle of at least 60.degree., in a
vertical plane, whereafter the light from the entire included angle
is corrected.
[0031] The included angle preferably extends from an angle below
the horizon to an angle above the horizon.
[0032] According to yet a further aspect of the invention another
method of capturing a panoramic scene is provided. Light is
received from a 360.degree. surrounding panoramic scene for an
unbroken included angle of at least 60.degree. extending from an
angle below the horizon to an angle above the horizon. The
direction of the light received from the panoramic scene is then
altered. After the direction of the light is altered, at least one
characteristic of the light is corrected, the characteristic being
selected from the group consisting of: astigmatism; color; f-theta;
and image flatness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The invention is further described by way of example with
reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating apparatus, according to
an embodiment of the invention, for viewing in a panoramic scene;
and
[0035] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of first and second lens blocks
forming part of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates apparatus
10, according to an embodiment of the invention, for capturing a
panoramic scene. The apparatus 10 includes a vertically extending
support structure 12, and a panoramic imaging arrangement 14 which
is secured to an upper end 16 of the support structure 12.
[0037] The support structure 12 may be any device having an upper
end 16 which is high enough for purposes of providing a viewpoint
of a panoramic scene. The support structure 12 may, for example, be
a vertically extending post, a tripod stand, or may form part of
building structure.
[0038] The panoramic imaging arrangement 14 includes a first, upper
lens block 18, a second, lower lens block 20, and apparatus 22,
positioned below the second lens block 20, for manipulating light
so as to correct certain aberrations of the light and to focus the
light (hereinafter generally referred to as the "light manipulation
apparatus 22").
[0039] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the first and second lens
blocks 18 and 20.
[0040] The first lens block 18 includes a transparent component or
refractive lens 24 which has a substantially spherical convex outer
and lower surface 26, and a substantially spherical concave inner
and upper surface 28. Center points of the convex outer surface 26
and the concave inner surface 28 of the transparent lens 24
substantially coincide with one another.
[0041] The concave inner surface 28 is covered with a thin layer of
reflective material 30. After the reflective material 30 is
deposited, a substantially spherical convex reflective surface 32
(sometimes generally referred to herein as a "convex reflective
lens") is provided against the transparent lens 24. The transparent
lens 24 so covers the convex reflective surface 32, thereby
providing a shield protecting the convex reflective surface 32
against environmental conditions which may otherwise cause damage
to the convex reflective surface 32.
[0042] The convex outer surface 26 of the transparent lens 24 and
the convex reflective surface 32 have a common, substantially
vertical axis of revolution 34. The second lens block 20 is made
out of cylindrical transparent material. An upper end 36 of the
second lens block 20 has a substantially spherical concave surface
which conforms with the convex outer surface 26 of the transparent
lens 24.
[0043] The transparent lens 24 and the second lens block 20 are
secured to one another be means of a transparent optical cement
(not shown) which is located between the upper end 36 of the second
lens block 20 and the convex outer surface 26 of the transparent
lens 24. Transparent optical cements of the above kind are known in
the art.
[0044] Referring again to FIG. 1, the light manipulation apparatus
22 includes a system of lenses 38, image capturing apparatus 40,
and digital image corrector 42.
[0045] The system of lenses 38 includes a first set of lenses 44, a
second set of lenses 46, and a third set of lenses 48. The lenses
work together to correct aberrations of light. Generally speaking
the first set of lenses 44 is designed and configured to reduce
astigmatism, the second set of lenses 46 for doing color
correction, and the third set lenses 48 for creating an image of
suitable scale and for fine-tuning certain other system aberration
as will further be discussed herein. One skilled in the art of
optics will appreciate that the respective sets of lenses 44, 46,
and 48 are of conventional kind although their collective effect
may be unique in completing the present embodiment. Further details
of such lenses may be found in a handbook on modern optics such as
in "Modern Optical Engineering" by Warren J. Smith (McGraw Hill,
Inc.; 1990).
[0046] The panoramic imaging arrangement 14 is secured to the upper
end 16 of the support structure 12 by mounting the second lens
block 20 directly to the upper end 16 of the support structure 12.
No metal or other components are therefore secured to the first
lens block 18.
[0047] In use, light is received laterally from a 360.degree.
panoramic scene surrounding the first lens block 18 (see FIG. 2).
Light from the panoramic scene enters the convex outer surface 26
of the transparent lens 24 of the first lens block 18 for an
unbroken and continuous included angle 52 located in a vertical
plane. The included angle is about 105.degree. covering more than a
hemisphere and extends from an angle 54 which is about 55.degree.
below the horizon to an angle 56 which about 40.degree. above the
horizon. (The included angle 52 is therefore at least 60.degree.
and preferably at least 90.degree., and the angles 54 and 56 below
and above the horizon are each therefore at least 30.degree. below
and above the horizon.)
[0048] It should be noted that the lens blocks 18 and 20 are
mounted to the support structure 12 so that light from the
panoramic scene is capable of passing over the upper end 16 of the
support structure 12, i.e., without the support structure obscuring
light from the panoramic scene.
[0049] Light from the panoramic scene is refracted slightly
upwardly when entering the transparent lens 24. The light then
travels through the transparent lens 24 and is reflected downwardly
from the convex reflective surface 32. The light then passes
downwardly through the transparent lens 24 and exits the
transparent lens 24 downwardly through the convex outer surface
26.
[0050] The light then passes through the transparent optical cement
located between the first and second lens blocks 18 and 20,
whereafter the light enters the second lens block 20 through the
upper end 36 thereof. The second lens block 20 has a diameter which
is sufficiently wide so that light from the entire included angle
52, after being reflected by the convex reflective surface 32,
enters the second lens block 20 thorough its upper end 36. The
light then travels through the second lens block 20 and exits the
second lens block through a lower end 60 thereof. Although not
shown in particular detail in the figures, the cylindrical outer
surface of the second lens block 20 is typically covered to prevent
light from entering into the second lens block 20 in a sideways
direction. This may be accomplished with the upper end 16 of the
support structure shown in FIG. 2.
[0051] Should an attempt be made to focus the light after leaving
the second lens block 20, certain aberrations would be noticed.
These aberrations include astigmatism, abnormality in color, lack
of image plane flatness, and a value of f-theta which is less than
1. The value f-theta is indicative of how much compression of view
occurs in a vertical direction of an image view, resulting in more
vertical compression in one area of the image view than in another
area of the image view. Values of f-theta are expressed as
fractions of 1 so that a value of f-theta approaching 1 would be
indicative of more uniform compression, and a value of f-theta
which is a smaller fraction of 1 would be indicative of more
non-uniform compression.
[0052] A number of factors, alone and in combination, contribute to
these aberrations, including the relatively large width of the
included angle 52, the relatively large inclination of the angle 54
below the horizon, the relatively high inclination of the angle 56
above the horizon, and the particular choice of lenses, including
the choice of a substantially spherical convex outer surface 26 of
the transparent lens 24, and the substantially spherical convex
reflective surface 32. These aberrations occur even though a
reflective surface 32 is used which causes less aberrations in
color than a refractive surface would and even though the
transparent lens 24 has a convex outer surface 26 which assists
greatly in reducing aberrations.
[0053] The light manipulation apparatus 22 (see FIG. 1), however,
functions to correct or at least to reduce these aberrations.
[0054] In particular, the first set of lenses 44 is positioned so
that light from the second lens block 20 passes through the first
set of lenses 44. The first set of lenses 44 then generally
corrects or at least reduces astigmatism of the light to an
acceptable level.
[0055] The second set of lenses 46 is positioned to receive the
light, after passing through the first set of lenses 44, and
generally functions so as to do color correction of the light.
[0056] The third set of lenses 48 is positioned to receive light,
after passing through the second set of lenses 46, and generally
functions to reduce the effect of compression so that the value
f-theta is adjusted closer to 1, typically to a value above 0.5.
The third set of lenses 48 also functions to flatten the image
plane and focus the image on the image capturing apparatus 40.
[0057] The image capturing apparatus 40 may, for example, be a
digital detection array capable of capturing the image projected by
the panoramic imaging arrangement 14. Certain aberrations may still
exist, even after the light passes through the system of lenses 38.
For example, the value of f-theta, although adjusted to be closer
to 1, may still be somewhat below 1.
[0058] The digital image corrector 42 is coupled to the image
capturing apparatus so as to receive the image captured by the
image capturing apparatus 40. The digital image corrector 42 is
capable of adjusting the image so as to correct for certain, still
existing aberrations. For example, the digital image corrector 42
may adjust f-theta so as to be closer or substantially equal to 1.
One skilled in the art would appreciate that the digital image
corrector 42 typically has a processor and memory with an
executable program which corrects the aberrations in the light
referred to.
[0059] As mentioned previously, one unique feature is that a
substantially spherical convex reflective surface 32 is used which
is protected from environmental conditions which may otherwise
result in damage to the reflective surface 32. Reflective lenses
generally have the advantage that they reflect light with little or
no aberrations in color of the reflected light and convex
reflective lenses have the added advantage that they require less
power than, for example, concave reflective lenses.
[0060] It should also be evident from the aforegoing description
that another advantage is that the panoramic imaging arrangement 14
can be mounted to the support structure 12 in a manner wherein the
support structure 12 does not obscure light from a panoramic view
from reaching the first lens block 18.
[0061] A further advantage of the invention is that lenses having
substantially spherical surfaces are used. Spherical surfaces are
easier to manufacture than paraboloidal, hyperboloidal, ellipsoidal
or other aspheric surfaces and are therefore less expensive to
manufacture.
[0062] Yet a further advantage is that a relatively large included
angle 52 can be received which extends from a relatively large
angle 54 below the horizon to a relatively large angle 56 above the
horizon.
[0063] Although spherical surfaces are used, at least one of which
having a reflective surface, and regardless of the choice of angles
52, 54, and 56, a final image is created which is corrected for
astigmatism and color, which is flattened, and in which the value
of f-theta is controlled.
[0064] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and
shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that
such embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the
current invention, and that this invention is not restricted to the
specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since
modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
* * * * *