Panoramic imaging arrangement

摘要

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a panoramic imaging arrangement comprising a first and second transparent component both rotationally symmetric about an axis of revolution. The first transparent component has an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface includes a reflective portion and a refractive portion both about the axis of revolution. The refractive portion extends radially from the axis of revolution to the start of the reflective portion. The second transparent component is attached to the first transparent component at a refractive interface that extends into the upper surface. The second transparent component includes a distal reflective surface. Light from a portion of a surrounding panoramic scene is refracted by a portion of the upper surface, is reflected by the reflective portion of the lower surface through the refractive interface to the distal reflective surface. Once reflected from the distal reflective surface, the light again passes through the refractive interface and exits the first transparent component through the refractive portion of the lower surface.