Abstract: An imaging system comprising a panoramic visual image display, an associated directional sound playback device, and an associated motion reproduction device is disclosed. The imaging system conveys visual, sound and motion information related to a particular viewing direction to provide a realistic experience for the viewer. The imaging system can also comprise a panoramic visual image recording device capable of recording panoramic images, an associated directional sound capturing device capable of recording sound, and an associated directional motion capturing device capable of recording motion. Recorded panoramic images, sound and motion can be synchronously recorded to a common time code for simultaneous playback.

Abstract: Panoramic optical systems are disclosed comprising an ellipsoidal mirror and a lens system that reduces astigmatism. The lens systems are capable of operating at fast speeds. Simple and highly manufacturable lens systems are provided for capturing and/or projecting high quality 360-degree panoramic scenes.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a panoramic visual image display, an associated directional sound playback device, and an associated motion reproduction device is disclosed. The imaging system conveys visual, sound and motion information related to a particular viewing direction to provide a realistic experience for the viewer. The imaging system can also comprise a panoramic visual image recording device capable of recording panoramic images, an associated directional sound capturing device capable of recording sound, and an associated directional motion capturing device capable of recording motion. Recorded panoramic images, sound and motion can be synchronously recorded to a common time code for simultaneous playback.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a panoramic visual image display, an associated directional sound playback device, and an associated motion reproduction device is disclosed. The imaging system conveys visual, sound and motion information related to a particular viewing direction to provide a realistic experience for the viewer. The imaging system can also comprise a panoramic visual image recording device capable of recording panoramic images, an associated directional sound capturing device capable of recording sound, and an associated directional motion capturing device capable of recording motion. Recorded panoramic images, sound and motion can be synchronously recorded to a common time code for simultaneous playback.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a panoramic visual image display, an associated directional sound playback device, and an associated motion reproduction device is disclosed. The imaging system conveys visual, sound and motion information related to a particular viewing direction to provide a realistic experience for the viewer. The imaging system can also comprise a panoramic visual image recording device capable of recording panoramic images, an associated directional sound capturing device capable of recording sound, and an associated directional motion capturing device capable of recording motion. Recorded panoramic images, sound and motion can be synchronously recorded to a common time code for simultaneous playback.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a panoramic visual image display, an associated directional sound playback device, and an associated motion reproduction device is disclosed. The imaging system conveys visual, sound and motion information related to a particular viewing direction to provide a realistic experience for the viewer. The imaging system can also comprise a panoramic visual image recording device capable of recording panoramic images, an associated directional sound capturing device capable of recording sound, and an associated directional motion capturing device capable of recording motion. Recorded panoramic images, sound and motion can be synchronously recorded to a common time code for simultaneous playback.

Abstract: Panoramic optical systems are disclosed comprising an ellipsoidal mirror and a lens system that reduces astigmatism. The lens systems are capable of operating at fast speeds. Simple and highly manufacturable lens systems are provided for capturing and/or projecting high quality 360-degree panoramic scenes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a concave panoramic reflector, a support structure configured to hold the concave panoramic reflector in a fixed position with respect to the housing, and a mounting device for positioning the housing in a fixed orientation with respect to a computing device such that light reflected by the concave panoramic reflector is directed to a light sensor in the computing device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting apparatus for mounting a panoramic mirror in front of the focal point of a camera. The mounting apparatus comprises a conical optical stage configured to contact the mirror at an end point along the longitudinal axis. An optical masking spike is also disclosed which can be disposed along the longitudinal axis and extend at least partially into the interior of the conical optical stage. The conical optical stage and optical masking spike provide improved stability of the overall optic and reduce unwanted glare in images reflected to the camera.

Abstract: A method of encoding images comprising the steps of retrieving a source image file including pixel data, transforming the source image file pixel data into a destination data set of pixel data representative of a modified partial equi-rectangular projection, and outputting the pixel data from the destination data set as a destination image file. The source image file can include an annular source image file. An apparatus for encoding images in accordance with the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for processing panoramic photographic images. The system includes a mirror for reflecting an image of a scene, a mounting assembly for mounting the mirror on an axis, a camera for capturing the image reflected by the mirror, a digital converter device for producing pixel data representative of the captured image, and means for radially linearly mapping the pixel data into a viewable image. The mirror includes a convex reflective surface defined by rotating around the axis: an equi-angular shape or a compensated equi-angular shape. Methods for processing images in accordance with the system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for processing panoramic photographic images. The system includes a mirror for reflecting an image of a scene, a mounting assembly for mounting the mirror on an axis, a first camera for capturing the image reflected by the mirror, at least one secondary camera for capturing a portion of the scene, means for mapping pixel data of the image captured by the first camera into a viewable image, and means for cooperatively displaying the viewable image and the portion of the scene captured by the at least one of the secondary cameras. The mirror may include a convex reflective surface defined by rotating around the axis: an equi-angular shape or a compensated equi-angular shape. The secondary camera may also capture a portion of the image reflected by the mirror. Alternatively, the system may include a single camera including an active-pixel image sensor for capturing at least a portion of the image reflected by the mirror.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a panoramic visual image display, an associated directional sound playback device, and an associated motion reproduction device is disclosed. The imaging system conveys visual, sound and motion information related to a particular viewing direction to provide a realistic experience for the viewer. The imaging system can also comprise a panoramic visual image recording device capable of recording panoramic images, an associated directional sound capturing device capable of recording sound, and an associated directional motion capturing device capable of recording motion. Recorded panoramic images, sound and motion can be synchronously recorded to a common time code for simultaneous playback.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing enhanced panoramic images with an improved panoramic mirror. A panoramic mirror is provided with a controlled vertical field of view. The controlled vertical field of view improves the resolution of a viewable panoramic image by eliminating portions of unwanted images from the viewable panoramic image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting apparatus for mounting a panoramic mirror in front of the focal point of a camera. The mounting apparatus comprises a conical optical stage configured to contact the mirror at an end point along the longitudinal axis. An optical masking spike is also disclosed which can be disposed along the longitudinal axis and extend at least partially into the interior of the conical optical stage. The conical optical stage and optical masking spike provide improved stability of the overall optic and reduce unwanted glare in images reflected to the camera.

Abstract: A panoramic imaging system includes a convex reflector, a camera, a transparent cylinder for mounting the convex reflector to the camera, and a first radially-oriented planar member positioned in the transparent cylinder between the convex reflector and the camera. A second radially-oriented planar member can be positioned in the transparent cylinder between the convex reflector and the camera. The first and second radially-oriented planar members would preferably lie in perpendicular planes, however, they may lie in non-perpendicular planes. A mirror mount for a panoramic imaging system includes a convex reflector, a transparent cylinder for supporting the convex reflector, means for connecting a camera to the transparent cylinder, and a first radially-oriented planar member positioned in the transparent cylinder between the convex reflector and the camera. A method of reducing unwanted reflections in the panoramic imaging system is also included.