The prototype camera and projector from Future Creation Laboratory of Olympus Corp can shoot video images with horizontal and vertical viewing angles of 360 and 50°, respectively, in 1080i full-HD resolution. The projector can project the images shot with this camera. The prototype camera and projector is based on Olympus’ proprietary “axisymmetric free-form-surface lens” unveiled in July 2007, and have enhanced resolution and widen viewing angles. The lens had 760 scanning lines and a vertical viewing angle of 45° when it was first announced in July. The lens shaped like a top with a diameter of about 6cm is made of plastic and can form omnidirectional images (horizontal and vertical viewing angles of 360 and 50°, respectively) on a plane surface in an annular manner, or project annular images on an omnidirectional surface.
When a projector equipped with imaging optics, such as this lens, is combined with a cylindrical screen, viewers can enjoy content that is only possible with the use of an omnidirectional device. When installed on the ceiling, a camera equipped with this optical system could be used as a security camera capable of monitoring in every direction.
