The classic fish-eye lens gives photographers the visual equivalent of surround sound, capturing an all-encompassing view. But, while the results are dramatic the subject is considerably distorted to fit within the bounds of the circular image formed. This renders such lens ineffective as an all-seeing-eye in a security setting or for providing robots with better navigation.
South Korean researchers have now designed and built an inexpensive optical lens that collects light from a large area and produces an almost distortion-free wide-angle image with the more familiar rectangular shape.
The complete story is available in the latest edition of the Intute Spotlight column.