The discussion focuses on the requirements for lens engineering to achieve a 180-degree field of view for image sensors, particularly in virtual reality applications. Participants suggest various optical solutions, including fisheye lenses and glass pyramids with square bases. The consensus indicates that multiple lenses or cameras are often utilized in 360-degree camera systems, which stitch images together to create a complete view. Resources such as Google Images provide examples of existing technologies, including whole sky cameras.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for optical engineers, virtual reality developers, and anyone involved in designing or improving imaging systems for immersive experiences.
I did a Google Images search on 360 Degree Camera, and got lots of interesting hits. It looks like most of these systems use several lenses/cameras and stitch the images together:grahas said:What type of lens/prism would be needed to allow a image sensor to see 180 degrees, so the sensor could see a hemisphere. It doesn't matter if the input is distorted. I thought that a glass pyramid with a square base might work.