Design of a compact two-channel panoramic optical system

We propose a new panossramic optical system that provides an additional field of view (FOV) channel without expanding the physical size of a conventional panoramic annular lens (PAL). The two channels are contained within one PAL, their optical paths do not interfere with each other, and the two images are realized on a single image plane. A prototype panoramic lens was developed that provides a 360° × (38-80°) front FOV channel and a 360° × (102-140°) back FOV channel.