Abstract: The present invention provides methods and imaging systems for obtaining complex images following desirable projection schemes from images obtained using rotationally-symmetrical wide-angle lenses by mathematically-precise image processing methods. The present invention further provides CMOS image sensors which execute hardwire image-processing to provide desirable complex images. Imaging systems employing these hardwire image processing CMOS image sensors do not need any software image processing to generate desirable complex images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for obtaining a composite image, which performs a mathematically correct image-processing on images obtained by wide-angle lenses which are rotationally symmetrical with regard to an optical axis, to achieve a desirable projection system. The present invention also provides a variety of imaging systems using the method. Further, the present invention provides a CMOS image sensor which has an accurate arrangement of pixels to perform image processing using hardware without the need for image processing by software.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of obtaining panoramic images that appear most natural to the naked eye by executing a mathematically precise image processing operation on a wide-angle image acquired using a wide-angle lens that is rotationally symmetric about an optical axis, and devices using the methods. Imaging systems using this method can be used not only in security•surveillance applications for indoor and outdoor environments, but also in diverse areas such as video phones for apartment entrance doors, rear view cameras for vehicles, visual sensors for unmanned aerial vehicles and robots, and broadcasting cameras. Also, it can be used to obtain panoramic photographs using digital cameras.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of obtaining panoramic images that appear most natural to the naked eye by executing a mathematically precise image processing operation on a wide-angle image acquired using a wide-angle lens that is rotationally symmetric about an optical axis, and devices using the methods. Imaging systems using this method can be used not only in security surveillance applications for indoor and outdoor environments, but also in diverse areas such as video phones for apartment entrance doors, rear view cameras for vehicles, visual sensors for unmanned aerial vehicles and robots, and broadcasting cameras. Also, it can be used to obtain panoramic photographs using digital cameras.

Abstract: An optical component including lens having at least one aspherical refractive surface capable of satisfying desired performance and characteristics is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention has been proposed to provide rectilinear mirrors having wide field of view comparable to those of fisheye lenses without worsening the distortion aberration, and imaging systems having the same.

Abstract: A low noise optical amplifier used in an optical communication system includes optical amplifying elements for amplifying optical signals of a specific wavelength(&lgr;) incident from their ends(F1,F2) and endowing phase difference between ASEs, optical diverging means to interfere the amplified optical signals and the ASEs output from both ends(F1,F2), first path of length(L1) to optically connect the one end(F1) to first gate(D1) of the optical diverging means, and second path of length(L2) to optically connect the other end(F2) to second gate(D2) of the optical diverging means. The first and second paths are designed with distance(L1-L2) so that the amplified optical signal causes reinforcing interference at the third gate(D3) and destructive interference at the fourth gate(D4), and the ASE causes destructive interference at the third gate(D3) and reinforcing interference at fourth gate(D4).

Abstract: A low noise optical amplifier used in an optical communication system includes optical amplifying elements for amplifying optical signals of a specific wavelength(&lgr;) incident from their ends(F1,F2) and endowing phase difference between ASEs, optical diverging means to interfere the amplified optical signals and the ASEs output from both ends(F1,F2), first path of length(L1) to optically connect the one end(F1) to first gate(D1) of the optical diverging means, and second path of length(L2) to optically connect the other end(F2) to second gate(D2) of the optical diverging means. The first and second paths are designed with distance(L1-L2) so that the amplified optical signal causes reinforcing interference at the third gate(D3) and destructive interference at the fourth gate(D4), and the ASE causes destructive interference at the third gate(D3) and reinforcing interference at fourth gate(D4).