Omni-directional sensors for pipe inspection

Omni-directional sensors are useful in obtaining a 360/spl deg/ field of view with a single lens camera. At present, for inspecting the interior of pipes (used in industrial processes) fish-eye type lenses are being used. However, fish-eye lenses provide more detail on the empty center part of the pipe and less detail on the surface of the pipe near the camera. This problem can be resolved by using an omni-directional camera, which projects a cylindrical strip of the interior surface of a pipe to a single CCD device. A description of the hardware developed and experimental results are presented.