Omni-directional observation system and method

摘要

The invention is an omni-directional observation system comprised of an inverted multi-faceted pyramidal prism oriented such that each facet reflects an image of a field of view facing it towards the apex of the pyramid. Two discs containing apertures located beneath the apex of the pyramid rotate at the same speed in opposite directions, and an optical arrangement under the disks is arranged to focus light passing through apertures in both disks onto a focal plane array detector. The apertures in the disks and the speed of the rotation are adapted such that apertures in both disks align to allow the image from only one facet at a time to fall on the detector. In one complete revolution of the disks images from all facets fall on the detector; thereby providing a plurality of images that can be combined to form a panoramic view of the surroundings of the system.