Anamorphic Lens System for Undistorted Panoramic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras have limited field of view, typically capturing only about 40 degrees horizontally and 30 degrees vertically, which restricts the ability to capture and display panoramic images effectively, and existing solutions for wide-angle imaging often require stitching multiple images or using fisheye lenses that distort the image.
Innovation Solution
A refractive or reflective lens system that provides a 360-degree horizontal and 240-degree vertical field of view, allowing for the capture and display of immersive panoramic images without distortion, using a two-piece lens construction and algorithms to convert traditional images for viewing on a specially designed screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional cameras are used, then the device complexity is low, but the field of view is limited to about 40 degrees horizontally and 30 degrees vertically
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is divided into multiple lens elements (first lens element, second lens element, third lens element, fourth lens element) with specific focal lengths and optical powers. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to the overall wide field of view while maintaining manageable complexity for manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the field of view from conventional two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional panoramic imaging by capturing images across multiple angles and positions. The lens system is designed to capture light rays from a much broader angular range, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the imaging capability.
2Area of stationary object
If fisheye lenses are used to expand field of view, then the field of view increases, but image distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Each lens element is designed with specific local optical properties - the first lens element has positive optical power with specific curvature radii, the second has negative optical power, the third has positive optical power, and the fourth has negative optical power. This local differentiation of optical characteristics allows correction of distortion while maintaining wide field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for each lens element including focal lengths (f1, f2, f3, f4), curvature radii (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6), and optical powers. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves a wide field of view while minimizing image distortion through the balanced optical design.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple images are stitched to create panoramic images, then the field of view is expanded, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is pre-configured with multiple lens elements positioned at specific angles and distances to capture the panoramic scene in a single exposure. This preliminary arrangement of optical components eliminates the need for post-capture image stitching, as the wide field of view is achieved optically during the capture phase rather than through computational processing afterward.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the capture and display of undistorted, high-resolution panoramic images with uniform density, providing an unobstructed view and allowing for the projection of traditional images within panoramic formats, enhancing immersion and image detail.
Implementation Method 1
A refractive or reflective lens system that provides a 360-degree horizontal and 240-degree vertical field of view
Implementation Method 2
A refractive or reflective lens system that provides a 360-degree horizontal and 240-degree vertical field of view
Data Source
AI summary
A system for displaying an anamorphic image on a viewing surface comprises a screen having a viewing surface and an image source configured to display the anamorphic image on the viewing surface such that an image viewed on the viewing surface appears undistorted from a viewing point. In addition, the system may also include a reflective lens having a convex exterior surface and a refractive lens having a plurality of surfaces to redirect light toward an image capture device. Further, the system may include an image conversion module for converting a non-anamorphic image into the anamorphic image suitable for displaying on the viewing surface and a selected portion of the anamorphic image into at least one non-anamorphic image.