Free-form lens design for wide-angle imaging with an equidistance projection scheme

An algorithm of free-form lens design is presented that can realize wide-angle imaging in conjunction with conventional imaging devices. The wide-angle image obtained through the free-form lens and the camera is not affected by distortions. The formula for the free-form lens surfaces is derived. The surface profile of the free-form lens can be generated through solving a differential equation expressing the camera-viewing angle as a function of the angle of incidence on the free-form lens surface. The surfaces preserve a linear relationship between the angle of incidence of light onto the surface and the angle of refraction into the imaging device. (C) 2007 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.