Immersive time sequential imaging system
OwnerJames J. Kumlerinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An immersive time sequential camera uses an array of back-to-back fisheye lenses to capture a 2π steradian field of view. A switch mechanism, such as a flip mirror or variable optical attenuator, permits capture of images comprising π steradians on adjacent frames or successive camera exposures.
Claims37
An immersive imaging system, comprising:
- a first lens having a first field of view;
- a second lens having a second field of view;
- and
- an optical image processor for relaying the first and second fields of view in alternating time sequence to a camera interface.
In an imaging device having a first lens and a second lens, the improvement comprising:
- a camera for use in recording images from the first lens and the second lens;
- and
- an optical switching mechanism for use in providing the camera with time-sequenced alternating images from the first lens and the second lens.
A method of capturing optical images in a system having a first lens and a second lens in a selectively configurable optical pathway placing the first lens and the second lens in optical communication with a camera, the method comprising the steps of:
- capturing an image from the first lens while the optical pathway is placed in a configuration that blocks transmissivity between the second lens and the camera while permitting transmissivity between the first lens and the camera;
- switching to reconfigure the optical pathway into a configuration that permits transmissivity between the second lens and the camera while blocking transmissivity between the first lens and the camera;
- and
- capturing an image from the second lens.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.