Patent ID: 6175454
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A panoramic imaging arrangement comprising:a transparent component having:a first surface, about an axis of revolution, having a convex profile with a first curvature in a plane of the axis of revolution;a second, substantially spherical surface, about the axis of revolution, having a concave profile with a second curvature in a plane of the axis of revolution; andan opening formed therein to define a third internal surface, about the axis of revolution, having a concave profile with a third curvature in a plane of the axis of revolution the first curvature being larger than the third curvature; anda reflective material on the second surface to provide a convex reflective surface against the second surface, wherein the first surface and the reflective surface are positioned relative to one another so that light from a 360.degree. surrounding panoramic scene enters the transparent component through the first surface, whereafter the light is reflected from the reflective surface, whereafter the light leaves the transparent component through the third surface.