Abstract: A method for capturing and processing a digital panoramic image is disclosed. The method involves projecting a panorama onto an image sensor with a panoramic objective lens to obtain a raw image. Then, a set of N output images is created based on the raw image, where N is greater than or equal to two and each output image represents a gnomonic projection of the panorama with a given focal length. The output images have a common predetermined resolution, the focal length of the first output image has a predetermined focal length value, and the focal length of each other output image is shorter than that of the previous output image. A digital panoramic camera system comprising a panoramic objective lens, an image sensor and image processing electronics are also disclosed. The image processing electronics are adapted to perform the method according to the above description.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for capturing and processing a digital panoramic image. The method involves projecting a panorama (1) onto an image sensor (4) by means of a panoramic objective lens (3) to obtain a raw image (6). Then, a set (7) of N output images (8) is created based on the raw image (6). N is greater than or equal to two and each output image (8) represents a gnomonic projection of the panorama (1) with a given focal length. The output images (8) have a common predetermined resolution, the focal length of the first output image (8.1) has a predetermined focal length value, and the focal length of each other output image (8.2; 8.3) is shorter than that of the previous output image (8.1; 8.2). The invention further relates to a digital panoramic camera system (2), comprising a panoramic objective lens (3), an image sensor (4) and image processing electronics (5). The image processing electronics (5) are adapted to perform the method according to the above description.