Adjustable imaging system with wide angle capability
US6226035A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08B13/19626
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Optical systems are disclosed that enable an image sensor to generate an image of either a wide-angle view of an area of interest, or a direct view of an area of interest. In an embodiment, a wide-angle optical system is mounted to reflect radiation reflected from the area of interest along an optical axis. Radiation on the optical axis is directed to a zoom lens of the image sensor. Optionally, a planar mirror redirects the radiation, so that the optical axis is angled with respect to a central axis of the image sensor. In the preferred embodiment, the image sensor is a pan-tilt-zoom camera that can move from the wide-angle view to a direct view of a target or region of interest, using pan, tilt, and zoom controls, under either remote or automatic control. The disclosure also provides a method for maintaining registration of the image sensor when it is moved from a wide-angle view of a target to a direct view of a target.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.