Design of a compact triple-channel panoramic stereo imaging system

Abstract

We propose a compact form of the triple-channel panoramic annular lens (PAL) with a stereo field and no central blind area based on polarization technology, which solves the problem that the traditional stereo panoramic system always has a large and complex mirror in front to reflect light. Based on the traditional dual-channel structure, we apply polarization technology to the first reflective surface to create a third channel for the stereovision. The field of view (FoV) of the front channel is 360° × (0° − 40°), the FoV of the side channel is 360° × (40° − 105°) and the stereo FoV is 360° × (20° − 50°). The Airy radii of the front channel, the side channel, and the stereo channel are 3.374 µm, 3.372 µm, and 3.360 µm, respectively. The modulation transfer function at 147 lp/mm is greater than 0.13 in the front and stereo channels and greater than 0.42 in the side channel. The F − θ distortion of all FoVs is less than 10%. This system shows a promising way to achieve stereovision without adding complex structures on the original basis.