Panomorph

Different panomorph lenses

The term panomorph derives from the Greek words pan meaning all, horama meaning view, and morph meaning form. A panomorph lens is a particular type of panoramic lens that is part of the hemispheric wide-angle lens family known as 'fisheye'.

Configuration

Typically, these lenses encompass more than a full hemisphere with a 182°! or wider, field of view.[1] By digitally combining the input of two lenses and sensors mounted back-to-back through the use of proprietry software (e.g. 'immervision'),[2] they produce full-sphere 360° coverage.

Resolution is enhanced beyond that provided by standard fisheye lenses through the addition of anamorphic elements which 'stretch' the image, increasing pixel density in zones of interest predefined by orientation.[3]

Software

Panomorph lenses are distinguished by improved optical performance in zones of interest by matching sensor anamorphic ratio. The origin of panomorph technology dates back to 1999. The idea was conceived by a company named ImmerVision.[2]

Two important parameters for the panomorph lens are the amount and location of the resolution. These parameters, introduced at the optical design stage, allow the panomorph lens to provide a higher resolution in a defined zone than any other standard panoramic imager.

A 2008 paper by Simon Thibault proposed that by adjusting between the use of anamorphosis and/or significant controlled optical distortion,[3] an increased number of pixels in a targeted area may be achieved. Panomorph lenses are designed with a specific object-to-image mapping function, making it possible to use algorithms to de-warp an image and correct distortion while maintaining a higher number of pixels in the zone of interest.[4]

Applications

In the several years since their introduction, panomorph lenses have become a viable alternative to fisheye and catadioptric lenses. Uses of this lens/software combination include building and site security and surveillance; augmentation of automobile driver field of view; visual data input in collision avoidance and vehicular automation; and increased field of view in endoscopy.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Fujinon panamorph lens
  2. 1 2 About ImmerVision, Company Profile
  3. 1 2 Simon Thibault (2008). "Panoramic lens applications revisited" (PDF). Proc. of SPIE (SPIE) 7000 (6): 70000L. doi:10.1117/12.781598.
  4. ↑ Simon Thibault (2010). Panomoprh Based Panoramic Vision Sensors, Vision Sensors and Edge Detection, Francisco Gallegos-Funes (Ed.), ISBN 978-953-307-098-8
  5. ↑ Simon Thibault (2008). "Panoramic lens applications revisited" (PDF). Proc. of SPIE (SPIE) 7000 (6): 70000L. doi:10.1117/12.781598.
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