A video pan/tilt/magnify/rotate system with no moving parts

A camera system for omnidirectional image viewing applications that provides pan, tilt, zoom, and rotational orientation within a hemispherical field-of-view (FOV) utilizing no moving parts has been developed. The imaging device is based on the effect that the image from a fisheye lens, which produces a circular image of an entire hemispherical FOV, can be mathematically corrected using high-speed electronic circuitry. An incoming fisheye image from any image acquisition source is captured in the memory of the device, a transformation is performed for the viewing region-of-interest and viewing direction; and a corrected image is output as a video image signal for viewing, recording, or analysis. Multiple images, each with different image magnifications and pan-tilt-rotate parameters, can be obtained from a single camera. The image transformation device can provide corrected images at frame rates compatible with RS-170 standard video equipment. The device can be used for many applications where a conventional mechanical pan-and-tilt orientation mechanism might be considered, including inspection, monitoring, surveillance, and target acquisition.<>