Columbia Technology Ventures

Cata-Fisheye Camera for Panoramic Imaging

Cata-Fisheye technology enables 360-dgree panoramic image captures for photos and videos, drastically expanding the field of view of conventional cameras. Subsequent image processing can translate the technology's ring-like field of vision to a flat, wide, readily viewable image. This makes panoramic photography more attractive in both artistic and security applications where instrument size matters. In addition, manufacturing may be cheaper than competitor designs due to its relative simplicity.

A small, compact, inexpensive device can allow cameras to produce full-360-degree panoramic images and video.

Panoramic imaging techniques differ by methods used to capture and focus light signals, employing varying combinations of lenses (single or multiple), mirrors (curved or planar), and image processing software necessary to straighten out inherently distorted raw image data. The Cata-Fisheye technology builds on existing technology and combines limited parts in a simple manner. It uses a fisheye lens to merge direct images with those reflected from a convex mirror. These images are stitched together into a smooth panoramic view which is easily analyzed. A compact attachment to standard fisheye lenses, the Cata-Fisheye design is much smaller than existing products.

A prototype has been built and tested, capturing objects at least a few feet away from the camera. Image quality tends to improve with distance from camera (due to "parallax") within a certain limit.

Patent No. 8,767,037

Lead Inventor:

Nayar Shree, Ph.D.

Applications:

  • Surveillance: general, military or police (mounted on tanks or police cars)
  • Video conferencing
  • Autonomous and driver-less vehicles
  • Photography (from amateur to professional)
  • Webcams
  • Virtual tours: real estate

Advantages:

  • Smaller and more compact than competing technologies
  • Simple manufacturing process may be cheaper than competing technologies
  • Captures above and below entire equatorial plane

Patent information:

Patent Issued

Tech Ventures Reference: IR M08-057

Related Publications: