Abstract: A support for an imaging device includes a first rotatable assembly supportable by a support that rotates in a generally horizontal plane and a horizontal locking member. The imaging device includes a second rotatable assembly that rotates in a generally vertical plane. imaging device includes an interconnection structure that interconnects the first rotatable assembly to the second rotatable assembly such that the second rotatable assembly is rotatable around the first rotatable assembly at an elevation higher than the first rotatable assembly and offset laterally from the first rotatable assembly. imaging device includes the first rotatable assembly including a panning structure that rotates the support in the generally horizontal plane and a leveling base that is rotatable in a non-coplanar manner relative to the panning structure.

Abstract: A child care apparatus includes a standing frame including a mounting portion, a child support frame held on the standing frame via at least one hanging bar that is pivotally connected with the mounting portion, the hanging bar being rotatable for swinging the child support frame, and a latching mechanism for rotationally locking the hanging bar, the latching mechanism including a latch connected with the mounting portion, and a latch actuator movably linked to the latch, the latch actuator having an operating portion exposed for operation, the latch actuator being movable along with the latch between a locking state where the latch is engaged with the hanging bar and an unlocking state where the latch is disengaged from the hanging bar.

Abstract: An integrated substrate for an anti-shake apparatus defined with an optical axis includes: a substrate, a lens module, an anti-shake apparatus and an image-sensing module. The substrate includes a frame having, a predetermined thickness. The frame includes a first surface, a second surface, a first circuit layout, and a second circuit layout. The lens module is located above the substrate on the optical axis. The anti-shake apparatus is furnished between the lens module and the substrate. The image-sensing module has an active side and an inactive side, and the inactive side is furnished onto the second surface. The active side is located on the optical axis in a manner of facing the lens module. The anti-shake apparatus is coupled to the first circuit layout, while the image-sensing module is coupled to the second circuit layout. The first and second circuit layouts comprise a plurality of first and second metal leads, respectively.

Abstract: An image acquisition device and a measuring method for geometric parameters of a specific developing area on a concrete test block. In the image acquisition device, a digital camera is provided on a camera support; the camera support is provided with a screw bearing which is connected to a first stepping motor via a first coupling; the camera support is provided on a screw slideway which is connected to a second stepping motor via a second coupling; the screw slideway, the first stepping motor and the second stepping motor are provided on a rear platform of a L-shaped base; a spirit level and a controller are respectively provided at two sides of the rear platform of the L-shaped base; and a reference glass plate is arranged on a front raised platform of the L-shaped base.

Abstract: The present application provides an image stitching method. The image stitching method includes acquiring a first depth image a present frame of image obtained by a first camera; acquiring a second depth image of the present frame of image obtained by a second camera, the second depth image and the first depth image parlay overlapping with each other; converting the first depth image in a first camera coordinate system defined by the first camera into a third depth image in a second camera coordinate system defined by the second camera; and stitching the third depth image with the second depth image to obtain a stitched image.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus capable of eliminating wasteful photographing in predetermined panoramic photography. Predetermined panoramic photography combines images acquired by repeating still image capturing with long time-exposure and panning. A first angle of view in panning direction indicates an angle from a start to an end point in the photography. A photographing condition is calculated based on the first angle and a focal length of a photographic lens, and displayed changeable by a user. When combining the images, geometric deformation processing is performed thereon for changing a second angle of view indicative of an angle of view in a direction orthogonal to the panning direction according to the focal length. The second angle changed by the processing is calculated according to the set first angle and the displayed photographing condition. The second angle is displayed before and after the change.

Abstract: There is provided with an image processing apparatus. A setting unit sets a display magnification on the display surface for the captured image data. A generating unit generates the display image data from the captured image data, based on a relationship between a first direction from an observer viewpoint toward a position on the display surface at which an object is displayed when display is provided based on the captured image data in accordance with the display magnification and a second direction from an capturing viewpoint of the captured image data toward the object, such that an image of the object in the second direction from the capturing viewpoint of the captured image data is displayed at a position on the display surface in the first direction from the observer viewpoint.

Abstract: Some embodiments involve obtaining access to a number of omnidirectional images each representing a different viewpoint relative to a scene, and to metadata indicating a physical relation between the respective viewpoint and a physical object in the scene. Viewer data may be obtained that is indicative of a current physical relation between a viewpoint of the user and a same type of physical object in a current viewing environment of the user. An omnidirectional image may then be selected for display by comparing the viewer data to the metadata of the omnidirectional images. In other embodiments, an omnidirectional image may be selected, e.g., from omnidirectional images or by being the only available image, and the user may be instructed to assume a viewpoint in which the physical relation to the physical object in the user's current viewing environment corresponds to the physical relation as indicated by the selected image's metadata.

Abstract: An image calibrating method is applied to a first monitoring image and a second monitoring image partly overlapped with each other. The image calibrating method includes detecting a plurality of first marking points and second marking points about a target object on the first monitoring image and the second monitoring image, computing a first trace and a second trace formed by the first marking points and the second marking points, setting a plurality of first estimating points and second estimating points on stretching sections on the first trace and the second respectively within the second monitoring image and the first monitoring image, and utilizing the first marking points and the second estimating points and/or the first estimating points and the second marking points to compute a shift between the first monitoring image and the second monitoring image.

Abstract: An integrated substrate for an anti-shake apparatus defined with an optical axis includes: a substrate, a lens module, an anti-shake apparatus and an image-sensing module. The substrate includes a frame having a predetermined thickness. The frame includes a first surface, a second surface, a first circuit layout, and a second circuit layout. The lens module is located above the substrate on the optical axis. The anti-shake apparatus is furnished between the lens module and the substrate. The image-sensing module has an active side and an inactive side, and the inactive side is furnished onto the second surface. The active side is located on the optical axis in a manner of facing the lens module. The anti-shake apparatus is coupled to the first circuit layout, while the image-sensing module is coupled to the second circuit layout. The first and second circuit layouts comprise a plurality of first and second metal leads, respectively.

Abstract: An imaging device includes two imaging optical systems each of the imaging optical systems including a wide-angle lens having an angle of view wider than 180 degrees, and an imaging sensor configured to image an image by the wide-angle lens, so as to obtain an image in a solid angle of 4? radian by synthesizing the images by the respective imaging optical systems, wherein the wide-angle lens of each of the imaging optical systems includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a front group having a negative power, a reflection surface and a back group having a positive power, and is configured to bend an optical axis of the front group by the reflection surface at 90 degrees toward the back group.

Abstract: In order to achieve a relatively small installation height of a multi-aperture imaging device having a one-line array of adjacently arranged optical channels, lenses of the optics of the optical channels are attached to a main side of a substrate by one or more lens holders and are mechanically connected via the substrate, the substrate being positioned such that the optical paths of the plurality of optical channels pass therethrough.

Abstract: A reverse vending machine has an insertion area for inserting an object into the inside of the reverse vending machine, a transport unit for transporting the object in a transport area along a transport axis and an arrangement of cameras for capturing images of the object from several capturing directions. The image capturing direction of each camera is directed toward the transport area. Further, the cameras are arranged outside the transport area and not below the transport area.

Abstract: A computer-aided design system and computer-implemented method define initial conditions for dynamic simulation of an assembly of objects in a three-dimensional scene of a computer-aided design. The system and method provide (S1) the assembly of objects with information relative to kinematic joints linking objects of the assembly. The system/method provide (S2) a manipulating tool (M) embedded in the scene; attach (S3) said manipulating tool (M) to one object of the assembly; select (S4) a degree of freedom of the manipulating tool (M) attached to the object of the assembly; and input (S5) at least one initial condition (IC) according to said selected degree of freedom, an initial condition comprising an initial position and/or an initial speed and/or an initial acceleration. The tool has a referential (reference) with three-axes allowing for each axis a degree of freedom in translation and a degree of freedom in rotation.

Abstract: Camera related methods and apparatus which are well suited for use in capturing stereoscopic image data, e.g., pairs of left and right eye images, are described. Various features relate to a camera rig which can be used to mount multiple cameras at the same time. In some embodiments the camera rig includes 3 mounting locations corresponding to 3 different directions 120 degrees apart. One or more of the mounting locations may be used at a given time. When a single camera pair is used the rig can be rotated to capture images corresponding to the locations where a camera pair is not mounted. Static images from those locations can then be combined with images corresponding to the forward direction to generate a 360 degree view. Alternatively camera pairs or individual cameras can be included in each of the mounting locations to capture video in multiple directions.

Abstract: An image capturing device with high image sensing coverage rate is applied by a related image capturing method. The image capturing device includes a base, an image sensing unit and an optical lens component. The image sensing unit is disposed on a lateral surface of the base, and has a sensing region. The optical lens component is overlapped with the image sensing unit, and has an imagery circle. A central optical axle of the imagery circle does not align with a central point of the sensing region; wherein the image capturing device captures an image via the optical lens component and the imaging sensing unit.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus that communicate with an external apparatus through a network includes an imaging optical system; an imaging unit that captures an image of an object by the imaging optical system; an optical filter; an inserting and removing unit that inserts and removes the optical filter into and from an optical path of the imaging optical system; a receiving unit that receives an adjustment command from the external apparatus through the network, the command including individual adjustment values respectively for insertion and removal of the optical filter into and form the optical path; an automatically determining unit that, based on one of the adjustment values, automatically determines the other adjustment value in the adjustment command; and a control unit that controls the inserting and removing unit based on the one adjustment value received by the receiving unit and the other adjustment value determined by the automatically determining unit.

Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus for capturing an image includes an imaging device, configured to obtain an image signal, a light-intensity estimator, configured to estimate a light intensity outside a shutter that limits an image capturing area of the imaging device in a state where the shutter is closed, and an exposure adjustor, configured to adjust an exposure of the imaging device located inside the shutter according to the estimated light intensity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for photographing a panoramic image including the steps of recognizing movement of a corresponding photographing apparatus by comparing a current real-time input image with a previous image through a motion estimation mechanism with exposure compensation, determining a time to photograph each next picture by determining whether movement in a photography direction reaches a preset threshold value, and photographing each next picture by manual or automatic operation at the determined time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an imaging apparatus including a main body, an imaging unit mounted on the main body that captures an image of an object, an input unit that receives a command to capture the image, a controller that controls operation of the imaging unit to create a panoramic image when a panorama mode is input to the input unit and that determines a current progress angle and a remaining angle to complete creation of the panoramic image based on the operation of the imaging unit during creation of the panoramic image, and a display unit that displays shooting angle information for creation of the panoramic image with a live view.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system of computer-aided design products for dynamically manipulating an assembly of objects in a three-dimensional scene. The system and method provide the assembly of objects with information relative to kinematic joints linking objects of the assembly. The system and method provide a dynamic manipulating tool (DM) embedded in the scene. The DM tool includes a reference with three-axes allowing for each axis a degree of freedom in translation and a degree of freedom in rotation. Next the system and method attach said dynamic manipulating tool (DM) to one object of the assembly, and select a degree of freedom of the dynamic manipulating tool (DM) attached to the object of the assembly. The system/method apply a load according to said selected degree of freedom and calculates and displays in real-time the result of a dynamic simulation of said load applying.

Abstract: A panoramic image is to be easily generated. A driver 12 displaces at least one of a lens unit 11a and an image capturing element 21 with respect to an optical axis. A control unit 50 displaces, using the driver 12, at least one of the lens unit 11a and the image capturing element 21 in accordance with a motion of an image capturing apparatus 10. When generating a plurality of captured images while shifting an image capturing direction in order to generate a panoramic image from the plurality of captured images, the control unit 50 changes a position of the lens unit 11a and/or the image capturing element 21, the position being a position at the start of exposure of each of the captured images, in a direction set according to a direction in which the image capturing direction shifts, thereby performing correction of deviation caused by a motion of the image capturing apparatus.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a shake correction unit, a pixel shift unit, and a controller. The shake correction unit includes a first movable unit and a first position detector, and moves the first movable unit based on outputs of a shake detector and the first position detector. The pixel shift unit includes a second movable unit and a second position detector, and makes a pixel shift correction by moving the second movable unit based on an output of the second position detector. The controller controls the shake correction unit to stop a center of the lens and held by the first movable unit at a position that matches the optical axis. The controller sets a gain for amplifying the output of the first position detector when performing shake correction to be higher than a gain for amplifying the output of the first position detector when making a pixel shift correction.

Abstract: An imaging system that includes a rotating unit that includes an imaging camera, an alignment camera and at least a first monitor. The rotating unit is rotatable between a home position and a finish position about a rotation axis such that the imaging camera can capture a first scan. The alignment camera is directed generally downwardly and is configured to capture a first alignment image of a subject positioned generally co-axially with the rotation axis. The first alignment image is displayed on the first monitor.

Abstract: A rotary mechanism is provided, including a first housing, a second housing, a rotary module, an elastic element, and a speed-reduction module. The rotary module connects to the first housing and extends therefrom to connect with the second housing. The elastic element connects the second housing and the rotary module. The speed-reduction module connects to the rotary module. When an external force is exerted on the second housing, and the second housing rotates relative to the first housing along a first direction, the elastic element stores an elastic potential energy. When the external force is released, the second housing rotates relative to the first housing along a second direction by the elastic force. The second direction is opposite to the first direction, and the speed-reduction module reduces the rotary speed of the second housing relative to the first housing.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing section, an image capturing control section, an image clipping section, an HDR composing section and a panoramic image composing section. The image capturing control section causes the image capturing section to repeatedly capture an image of different luminance to provide plural images of different luminance. The image clipping section clips respective data of substantially overlapping image regions of the plural images of different luminance. The HDR composing section composes the image regions each clipped by the image clipping section to generate data of plural composite images having a wider dynamic range than the image captured by the image capturing section. The panoramic image composing section joins data of the plural composite images generated by the HDR composing section to generate an image whose range is wider than that of the image captured by the image capturing section.

Abstract: A 360 degree camera imaging system comprising a first horizontal boom having a first end, a second end, and a middle section; a second horizontal boom having a first end and a second end; a first vertical arm having a first end and a second end; a second vertical arm having a first end and a second end; and a mounting bracket. The first horizontal boom is connected to the first end of the second horizontal boom by a first rotatable pivot proximate the middle section of the first horizontal boom, and the second end of the second horizontal boom is connected to the mounting bracket. The first end of the first vertical arm is affixed to the first end of the first horizontal boom, and the first end of the second vertical arm is affixed to the second end of the first horizontal boom. A camera is mounted to the first vertical arm, and a backdrop is mounted to the second vertical arm.

Abstract: A plant image capture device and a method thereof are provided. A first mirror is disposed at a side of an image measurement position, so as to generate an mirror image of a plant disposed on the image measurement position; a first image capture device obtains at least one image including a direct image and the first mirror image of the plant; an image processing module uses a frame of the first mirror as a feature, so as to divide the at least one image including the direct image and the first mirror image of the plant and obtain the direct image and the first mirror image of the plant; an operation processing module processes the mirror image of the plant, so as to obtain a first image of the plant.

Abstract: A dome-shaped camera comprising: a camera body including a focus adjustment ring for manually performing focus adjustment; a base part which supports the camera body and includes a tilt mechanism which changes an angle of a tilt direction for supporting the camera body; a dome cover which covers the camera body; a mount device which mounts the dome cover on the base part so that the dome cover is rotatable about a center axis of the dome cover; and a power transmitting device which transmits a rotating force in a direction about the center axis added to the dome cover as a rotating force of a focus adjustment ring of the camera supported at any angle in the tilt direction via a power transmission member placed on a tilt axis.

Abstract: A method of removing debris from piping within a high-rise building plumbing network includes inserting a portion of a flexible optical device and flexible water conduit into an opening defined by a plumbing system, the flexible water conduit operably coupled to a water pressure device. The method also includes coupling an end of a vacuum conduit, operably coupled to a vacuum assembly, to the opening and producing an image of a plumbing channel defined by the plumbing system with the flexible optical device. Next, the method includes maneuvering the portion of the flexible optical device within the plumbing system until the image of the plumbing channel depicts a debris at least partially obstructing the plumbing channel, inducing a stream of fluid directed at the debris, and then inducing a vacuum within the plumbing system sufficient to remove the debris from the plumbing system.

Abstract: A dome-shaped camera comprising: a camera body including a focus adjustment ring for manually performing focus adjustment; a base part which supports the camera body and includes a tilt mechanism which changes an angle of a tilt direction for supporting the camera body; a dome cover which covers the camera body; a mount device which mounts the dome cover on the base part so that the dome cover is rotatable about a center axis of the dome cover; and a power transmitting device which transmits a rotating force in a direction about the center axis added to the dome cover as a rotating force of a focus adjustment ring of the camera supported at any angle in the tilt direction via a power transmission member placed on a tilt axis.

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: A film recorder including a linear diffractive spatial light modulator (LDSLM) and methods of using the same to record a digital image on a strip of photographic film are provided. In one embodiment, the recorder includes: an illuminator including at least one monochromatic light source generating a light beam; a spatial light modulator assembly including at least one linear diffractive spatial light modulator (LDSLM) to receive the light beam from the illuminator and modulate the light beam from the illuminator; a film transport for transporting a photographic film on an imaging plane; and imaging optics disposed in a light path between the LDSLM and the imaging plane to image the light beam simultaneously on a substantially linear portion of the photographic film to record an image on the photographic film. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A film recorder including a linear diffractive spatial light modulator (LDSLM) and methods of using the same to record a digital image on a strip of photographic film are provided. In one embodiment, the recorder includes: an illuminator including at least one monochromatic light source generating a light beam; a spatial light modulator assembly including at least one linear diffractive spatial light modulator (LDSLM) to receive the light beam from the illuminator and modulate the light beam from the illuminator; a film transport for transporting a photographic film on an imaging plane; and imaging optics disposed in a light path between the LDSLM and the imaging plane to image the light beam simultaneously on a substantially linear portion of the photographic film to record an image on the photographic film. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An exemplary image capturing unit includes a housing, a moveable support, and a driving assembly. The moveable support is moveably mounted in the housing. The moveable support includes a rotating axis and is configured for receiving a camera module. The driving assembly includes a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member. The first magnetic member is positioned on the housing. The second magnetic member is positioned on the moveable support and faces the first magnetic member. The driving assembly is configured for driving the moveable support to rotate about the rotating axis relative to the housing through magnetical interaction between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member.

Abstract: An exemplary panoramic camera includes a support, a housing, a driver, an input unit, an imaging unit, a micro control unit (MCU), and a digital signal processor. The support includes a mounting base and a post extending from the mounting base. The housing is rotatably supported on the post. The input unit is for receiving user inputs. The MCU includes a parameter processor which converts user input into control signals according a viewing angle of the imaging unit, an imaging controller which controls the imaging unit to capture images at intervals according to the control signals, and a rotating controller which controls a rotation speed of the driver according to the control signals to ensure the housing is at desired locations during rotation in synchronization with the intervals. The digital signal processor combines the captured images into a panoramic image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device, and an optical system configured to image light from an imaging subject on the imaging device. The optical system includes a group of lenses and an aperture diaphragm. When NP point is defined as a point where an extended linear component in an object space of a principal ray located in a Gauss region and selected from among principal rays passing through a center of the aperture diaphragm of the optical system crosses an optical axis of the optical system, D represents a diameter of a lens at the closest side to the imaging subject, and LN represents a distance from a lens surface of the lens at the closest side to the imaging subject to the NP point, a formula; 0?LN?D (1) is satisfied.

Abstract: A new technique for recording a series of images of a high-speed event (such as, but not limited to: ballistics, explosives, laser induced changes in materials, etc.) is presented. Such technique(s) makes use of a lenslet array to take image picture elements (pixels) and concentrate light from each pixel into a spot that is much smaller than the pixel. This array of spots illuminates a detector region (e.g., film, as one embodiment) which is scanned transverse to the light, creating tracks of exposed regions. Each track is a time history of the light intensity for a single pixel. By appropriately configuring the array of concentrated spots with respect to the scanning direction of the detection material, different tracks fit between pixels and sufficient lengths are possible which can be of interest in several high-speed imaging applications.

Abstract: An image correction system includes an image capturer, operable to capture an object image and to generate image data based on the object image, a first storage, adapted to store the image data, a timing signal generator, operable to periodically generate timing signals, an image processor, operable to periodically store the image data into the first storage in accordance with each of the timing signals, a detector, operable to periodically detect movement of the image capturer and to generate movement data based on the detected movement, and a second storage, adapted to periodically store the movement data in association with timing data based on each of the timing signals.

Abstract: A pair of rotation plates 10 are provided on an upper surface and a lower surface of a camera body 30. The rotation plates 10 are rotatable with respect to the camera body 30. During panorama imaging, a user holds the pair of rotation plates 10 with their fingers to hold a camera 9. An actual rotation angle of the camera body 30 with respect to the rotation plate 10 is detected by an encoder provided inside the camera. When the actual rotation angle reaches a target rotation angle, an image capturing process of an element image is automatically executed.

Abstract: A new technique for recording a series of images of a high-speed event (such as, but not limited to: ballistics, explosives, laser induced changes in materials, etc.) is presented. Such technique(s) makes use of a lenslet array to take image picture elements (pixels) and concentrate light from each pixel into a spot that is much smaller than the pixel. This array of spots illuminates a detector region (e.g., film, as one embodiment) which is scanned transverse to the light, creating tracks of exposed regions. Each track is a time history of the light intensity for a single pixel. By appropriately configuring the array of concentrated spots with respect to the scanning direction of the detection material, different tracks fit between pixels and sufficient lengths are possible which can be of interest in several high-speed imaging applications.

Abstract: A portable image capture apparatus comprises an image capture device for capturing still and/or moving images, and a transmitter for transmitting image data representative of captured images directly from said image capture apparatus via a wireless communication path to a remote device which is adapted to display said one or more captured images upon receipt of said image data, the apparatus further comprising an arrangement for enabling a user to remotely select the remote device of their choice. This arrangement is particularly advantageously employed where the image capture device is embedded in eye glasses.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device, and an optical system configured to image light from an imaging subject on the imaging device. The optical system includes a group of lenses and an aperture diaphragm. When NP point is defined as a point where an extended linear component in an object space of a principal ray located in a Gauss region and selected from among principal rays passing through a center of the aperture diaphragm of the optical system crosses an optical axis of the optical system, D represents a diameter of a lens at the closest side to the imaging subject, and LN represents a distance from a lens surface of the lens at the closest side to the imaging subject to the NP point, a formula; 0?LN?D (1) is satisfied.

Abstract: The mobile data collection system includes a positioning system, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and/or an Inertial Navigation System (INS), to generate position and time data. A down looking line scan camera for mounting on a vehicle, obtains a series of line scan images of a path, such as a road. A data collection controller is connected to the positioning system and the line scan camera to associate the line scan images with the corresponding position and time data. A database stores the line scan images and associated corresponding position and time data. An image processor identifies and marks features in the line scan images.

Abstract: A camera zoom device and method for a mobile communication terminal. The camera zoom device includes a zoom dial rotating about a rotation axis; a zoom dial rotation sensing unit for sensing a rotation angle of the zoom dial; a zoom controlling unit for determining a zoom direction (zoom-in or out) and a zoom magnification depending on the sensed rotation angle; and a zoom lens driving unit for driving a zoom lens unit depending on the zoom direction and the zoom magnification. The camera zoom device zooms in or out depending on the rotation angle of the zoom dial, thereby enabling a convenient and prompt camera zoom function, and preventing lens shaking that is commonly caused when the zoom function is performed by pressing keys.

Abstract: A scanning camera with a rotating drum has one or more sensors characterized by a non-radial optical axis. With two sensors on opposite sides of the drum and facing in substantially the same direction, stereoscopic recording of a panorama is accomplished as the drum rotates. Rapid rotation of the scanning camera produces panoramic motion picture recording, with the final frame speed dependent on the sensitivity and speed of the sensor, the resolution desired, and the capabilities of the recording device. The preferred embodiment employs rotating fisheye lenses for a substantially full-sphere field of view. Streamlining of the lens elements on the drum surface is described for quiet operation of the camera, even at high rotation speeds. The rapid rotation of the drum characteristic of motion picture frame rates can improve both the stability and portability of the camera.

Abstract: A method for orienting a digital panoramic image obtained using at least one initial wide-angle image the image points of which are transferred into a three-dimensional coordinate system includes inserting an orientation mark into the initial image at the time of the exposure. The method further includes detecting the location of the orientation mark in the digital panoramic image, performed by an image analysis algorithm.

Abstract: A camera system is provided for acquiring an image of a scene with a wide angle such as an omni-directional scene with a high resolution and for acquiring an image of a dynamic object. The camera system includes a reflecting mirror, a first imaging unit, and a second imaging unit. The reflecting mirror has a mirror surface disposed around a center axis and spread on one side of the center axis to form an opening portion. The first imaging unit is provided within a plane composed of an outer surface of the reflecting mirror and a plane extending from the outer surface of the reflecting mirror on the opening portion side. The second imaging unit is disposed opposite to the mirror surface of the reflecting mirror, and includes a number of cameras disposed on the same circumference centered at the center axis of the reflecting mirror in such a manner as to be spaced from each other at equal intervals.

Abstract: An image capture device is provided which includes a movable and rotatable lens barrel for changing the taking lens focus in close focus and far focus situations. Additionally, rotation of the lens barrel adjusts the exposure aperture to create different aperture sizes for close focus, infinity focus and flash image captures. Further, in one particular embodiment using an internal display, a diopter adjustment mechanism is provided. A diopter adjustment cam wheel includes a flange of progressively increasing height in contact with a pin on the housing of a display lens. An image on the display is reflected through the display lens to the viewfinder ocular lens. Rotating the cam wheel adjusts the height of the display lens to accommodate the focus for imperfect vision.

Abstract: A topological panorama camera has a track or other system upon which a linescan camera can move in one, two or three dimensions while recording the image of an object. The path, speed, acceleration, scan rate and direction of the linescan camera can be controlled, as can the path, speed, acceleration and direction of the object. A pattern is projected onto an object of arbitrary shape and is imaged by the topological panorama camera in one or more passes. The image of the pattern received by the camera is analyzed to determine the exterior shape of the object.