Optical: systems and elements – Lens – Panoramic
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-13
2001-01-16
Epps, Georgia (Department: 2873)
Optical: systems and elements
Lens
Panoramic
C348S036000, C352S069000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06175454
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1). Field of the Invention
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° surrounding panoramic scene.
2). Discussion of Related Art
Panoramic imaging arrangements have become popular in recent years for purposes of viewing 360° 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 vertical axis of revolution, which are used to refract or reflect light received from a 360° 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.
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° 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.
Relatively complex lenses and lens arrangements have been developed in order to overcome these aberrations and produce an acceptable image. These lens arrangements usually include a large number of lenses and oftentimes have lenses with 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a panoramic imaging arrangement comprising a transparent component and a reflective material. The transparent component has a first surface about a vertical axis of revolution, a second, substantially spherical, surface about the axis of revolution, and an opening formed therein to define a third, internal surface about the axis of revolution. The third surface has a concave profile in a plane of the axis of revolution. The reflective material is located on the second surface to provide a reflective surface against the second surface. The first surface, the reflective surface and the third surface are positioned relative to one another so that light from a 360° surrounding panoramic scene enters the transparent component through the first surface, whereafter the light is reflected from the reflective surface, whereafter the light exits the transparent component through the third surface.
The first surface may have a convex profile in a plane of the axis of revolution and is preferably substantially spherical.
The first surface and the reflective surface are preferably located on opposing sides of the transparent component and the reflective surface preferably has a convex profile in plane of the axis of revolution.
Preferably, at least extensions of the first surface and the reflective surface intersect one another.
The third surface is preferably substantially spherical.
In one embodiment the first surface, the reflective surface and the third surface are all substantially spherical and have a radiuses which are in the relationship of about 21 units for the first surface, about 40 units for the reflective surface, and about 7 units for the third surface.
At least extensions of the first surface and the reflective surface may intersect the axis of revolution at respectively first and second locations which may be about 9 units displaced from one another.
At least an extension of the third surface may intersect the axis of revolution at a third location which is about 0.5 units displaced from the second location.
The panoramic imaging arrangement may further comprise a system of lenses positioned to receive the light after exiting the transparent component, the system of lenses at least focusing the light. The light is preferably focused in a plane which is substantially flat.
Preferably, the light passes through a total of less than five lenses from exiting the transparent component until being focused.
The panoramic imaging arrangement may further comprise a mirror which reflects the light after exiting the transparent component. A hole may be formed through the transparent component with the opening forming at least part of the hole. The light may at least partially pass through the hole after being reflected by the mirror and before passing through the system of lenses. The mirror may be curved and preferably has a concave reflective area.
According to a further aspect of the invention a panoramic imaging arrangement is provided comprising a transparent component and a reflective material. The transparent component has first and second surfaces, both about a vertical axis of revolution. The first surface has a convex profile in a plane of the axis of revolution. The second surface has a concave profile in a plane of the axis of revolution. At least extensions of the first and second surfaces intersect one another. The reflective material is located on the second surface to provide a reflective surface against the second surface. The first surface and the reflective surface are positioned relative to one another so that light from a 360° surrounding panoramic scene enters the transparent component through the first surface, whereafter the light is reflected from the reflective surface.
The second surface may be substantially spherical.
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Driscoll Edward C.
Hoogland Jan
Lomax Willard C.
BeHere Corporation
Blakely , Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP
Epps Georgia
Spector David N.
LandOfFree
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