Panoramic imaging and holographic interferometry using a panoramic annular lens

Joseph Thomas Puliparambil, Marquette University

Abstract

Ideally, a device for making measurements of the inner surface of a cavity should be rugged, compact, and capable of obtaining an unobstructed, complete, and comprehensive image of the cavity space in every direction. The first attempt to patent a system for panoramic imaging was made by Mangin in 1878 and since that time several other devices have been patented. Most of these devices depend on a scanning system or on a complex set of lenses and mirrors and as such they are not very practical for use. However, in 1984 Dr. Pal Greguss invented a simple lens known as a Panoramic Annular Lens (PAL) capable of giving a full 360 degree surround image of the area around the lens. This lens can be utilized along with digital cameras and computer programs to inspect and measure the interior walls of cavities. If a cavity can be regarded as a cylindrical rather than a spherical volume, the image information can be transformed, using stretching methods, onto a flat surface creating a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional cylindrical surface. This phenomenon called Flat Cylindrical Perspective (FCP) forms the basis for the image produced by a PAL. To apply standard methods of analysis on an image and also for visual interpretation, image processing algorithms were developed to linearize a PAL image. These programs can be used for endoscopy which is a technique for imaging the inner part of a volume or cavity. Such techniques have applications in the fields of medicine, civil engineering and aerospace; indeed, anywhere tubes and pipes are involved. Holographic interferometry has become an important diagnostic tool in non-destructive testing, but due to lack of panoramic imaging systems this work could not be effectively used for the analysis of cavities. Now, the PAL can be used for panoramic holographic interferometry which can be used to measure submicron deformations of cavity walls caused by small perturbations in temperature, pressured and mechanical loads. Panoramic holograms are taken and panoramic holointerferometric principles applied to find deformations of the inside wall of a cavity caused by a mechanical load.

This paper has been withdrawn.