System and method for panoramic imaging
US7058239B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T3/12
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a system for processing panoramic photographic images. The system includes a mirror for reflecting an image of a scene, a mounting assembly for mounting the mirror on an axis, a first camera for capturing the image reflected by the mirror, at least one secondary camera for capturing a portion of the scene, means for mapping pixel data of the image captured by the first camera into a viewable image, and means for cooperatively displaying the viewable image and the portion of the scene captured by the at least one of the secondary cameras. The mirror may include a convex reflective surface defined by rotating around the axis: an equi-angular shape or a compensated equi-angular shape. The secondary camera may also capture a portion of the image reflected by the mirror. Alternatively, the system may include a single camera including an active-pixel image sensor for capturing at least a portion of the image reflected by the mirror. Methods for processing images in accordance with the system are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.