Panoramic imaging arrangement

Abstract

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a panoramic imaging arrangement comprising a transparent component and a reflective material. The transparent component has a first surface about a vertical axis of revolution, a second surface about the axis of revolution, and an opening formed therein to define a third, internal surface about the axis of revolution. The third surface has a concave profile in a plane of the axis of revolution. The reflective material is located on the second surface to provide a reflective surface against the second surface. The first surface, the reflective surface and the third surface are positioned relative to one another so that light from a 360° surrounding panoramic scene enters the transparent component through the first surface, whereafter the light is reflected from the reflective surface, whereafter the light exits the transparent component through the third surface.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A panoramic imaging arrangement comprising: 
 a transparent component having: 
 a first surface, about an axis of revolution, having a convex profile in a plane of the axis of revolution;  
 a second substantially spherical surface, about the axis of revolution, having a concave profile in a plane of the axis of revolution; and  
 an opening formed therein to define a third internal surface, about the axis of revolution, having a concave profile in a plane of the axis of revolution; and  
 a reflective material on the second surface to provide a 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° surrounding panoramic scene enters the transparent component through the first surface, whereafter the light is reflected from the reflective surface.  
   
     
     
         2 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the first surface has a convex profile in a plane of the axis of revolution.  
     
     
         3 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 2  wherein the first surface is substantially spherical.  
     
     
         4 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 2  wherein the first surface and the reflective surface are located on opposing sides of the transparent component and the reflective surface has a convex profile in a plane of the axis of revolution.  
     
     
         5 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 4  wherein at least extensions of the first surface and the reflective surface intersect one another.  
     
     
         6 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the third surface is substantially spherical.  
     
     
         7 . A panoramic imaging arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the first surface, the reflective surface and the third surface are all substantially spherical and have radiuses which are in the relationship of about 21 units for the first surface, about 40 units for the reflective surface, and about 7 units for the third surface.  
     
     
         8 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 7  wherein at least extensions of the first surface and the reflective surface intersect the axis of revolution at respectively first and second locations which are about 9 units displaced from one another.  
     
     
         9 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 8  wherein at least an extension of the third surface intersects the axis of revolution at a third location which is about 0.5 units displaced from the second location.  
     
     
         10 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the light passes through a total of less than five lenses from exiting the transparent component until being focused.  
     
     
         11 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 10  wherein the light passes through a total of three lenses from exiting the transparent component until being focused.  
     
     
         12 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 1 , further comprising a system of lenses positioned to receive light after exiting the transparent component, the system of lenses at least focusing the light, the light being focused in a plane which is substantially flat.  
     
     
         13 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 12  further comprising a mirror which reflects the light after exiting the transparent component, wherein a hole is formed through the transparent component, the opening forming at least part of the hole, through which the light at least partially passes after being reflected by the mirror and before passing through the system of lenses.  
     
     
         14 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 13  wherein the mirror is curved.  
     
     
         15 . A panoramic imaging arrangement according to  claim 14  wherein the mirror has a concave reflective area.  
     
     
         16 . A panoramic imaging arrangement comprising: 
 a transparent component having: 
 a first surface, about a vertical axis of revolution, having a convex profile in a plane of the axis of revolution;  
 a second substantially spherical surface about the axis of revolution, having a concave profile in a plane of the axis of revolution, wherein at least extensions of the first and second surfaces intersect one another; and  
 a reflective material on the second surface to provide a 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° surrounding panoramic scene enters the transparent component through the first surface, whereafter the light is reflected from the reflective surface.