Lens engineering for virtual reality

In summary, a fisheye lens or a glass pyramid with a square base could be used to allow an image sensor to see 180 degrees and a hemisphere, even with distorted input. However, for a more accurate and common solution, a 360-degree camera or a whole sky camera may be used.
  • #1
grahas
32
1
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.
 
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  • #3
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.
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:

https://www.google.com/search?site=....1.64.img..1.17.1049.0..0.PjUmcWAi6rw#imgrc=_
 

Related to Lens engineering for virtual reality

1. What is lens engineering for virtual reality?

Lens engineering for virtual reality involves designing and manufacturing specialized lenses that are used in virtual reality headsets. These lenses are specifically designed to enhance the virtual reality experience by providing a wide field of view and reducing distortion.

2. How do these lenses differ from traditional lenses?

Virtual reality lenses are significantly different from traditional lenses. Traditional lenses are designed to focus light onto a single point, whereas virtual reality lenses are designed to spread light across a wide field of view, creating a more immersive experience. They also have a shorter focal length and a wider aperture compared to traditional lenses.

3. What factors are important in lens engineering for virtual reality?

There are several factors that are crucial in lens engineering for virtual reality. These include field of view, focal length, aperture, distortion, and chromatic aberration. The goal is to design lenses that provide a wide field of view, minimal distortion, and minimal chromatic aberration to create a realistic and comfortable viewing experience.

4. How do lens materials impact virtual reality experience?

The material used in virtual reality lenses can have a significant impact on the overall virtual reality experience. Lenses made from high-quality materials, such as glass or specialized plastics, can provide better clarity and reduce distortion. They can also be coated with anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings to improve the viewing experience.

5. Can lens engineering improve the comfort of virtual reality headsets?

Yes, lens engineering plays a crucial role in improving the comfort of virtual reality headsets. By reducing distortion and increasing the field of view, users are less likely to experience discomfort and motion sickness. Additionally, advancements in lens materials and coatings can reduce the weight and improve the fit of virtual reality headsets, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods.

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