Scallop Imaging wide-angle security cams look to the sea for inspiration

We're not too sure what's up with New England-based institutions and inspiration from the depths, but the two seem to have some kind of intrinsic connection. The latest company to prove such a wacky assertion true is Boston's own Scallop Imaging, a Tenebraex subsidiary that has developed a "low-cost" security camera that sees 180 degrees of view without fisheye distortion or the lag present in pan-and-tilt alternatives. Additionally, the multi-eyed cam automatically stitches and downsamples images, and can capture a new 7-megapixel still to transmit over Ethernet "every second or two." It's small enough to be placed into a light socket-sized hole, and it's powered by the same Ethernet cable that links it into a building's surveillance system. Of course, the fun won't stop there, as the outfit is already looking at automotive applications of the Digital Window, including "distortion-free backup cameras for the rear ends" of vehicles.

[Eddie @ Dec 15th 2008 8:00AM]

This is genius. The engineer who designed this must've laughed all the way to the patent lawyer's office.

I guess a wireless solution would be cool too but they would probably be pretty easy to jam. They would be useful in domestic uses as running wires through your (already plastered) house is a pain in the ass.

[Mobius_1 @ Dec 15th 2008 10:37AM]

Soon enough, he'll be laughing all the way to the bank, past all those broke stock-brokers.

[Professor STFU @ Dec 15th 2008 8:12AM]

It's called power over Ethernet, Darren

[Michael Schade @ Dec 15th 2008 8:26AM]

I think it's evident that he's referring to using an existing power connection without running an Ethernet cable and hooking it up to your wireless network. As in, if you don't have Ethernet run through your house, you could still plug it in and have it working over the net.

[Paul @ Dec 15th 2008 8:22AM]

love it, give it to me in coax with built in switching so it only takes up one of my camera ports and i am a happy boy.

[Vishnu Vadlamudi @ Dec 15th 2008 8:23AM]

I want this at home!! So they've finally addressed the fish eye problem.

[ProfessorKaos @ Dec 15th 2008 8:42AM]

Nice, now we can catch those dicks poking holes in my litre of cola at the Dimpus Buger

punks

[CtotheD @ Dec 15th 2008 9:15AM]

I don't want a large farva. I want a litre of cola!

[bigcow05 @ Dec 15th 2008 5:25PM]

Ouch, they must be pretty sharp >.>

[Steve @ Dec 15th 2008 8:44AM]

'distortion-free backup cameras for the rear ends'

Brazilian Booty porn directors salivate....

[ProfessorKaos @ Dec 15th 2008 8:44AM]

I think he knows that dude, was just phrasing it diff. to explain how it does everything through the ethernet. Way to be a smartass dick XD

[G @ Dec 15th 2008 8:47AM]

If i was a thief i'd steal this security camera.

[Gomer @ Dec 15th 2008 10:51AM]

A decent Axis camera runs you north of $200 now, so I wonder what exactly "low-cost" is going to mean...

[P.H. Amorcraft @ Dec 15th 2008 10:58AM]

New England's Dunwich Tech / Miskatonic University Joint Venture has presented a cease and desist letter trough their Arkham lawyer to stop Scallop Imaging from releasing said commercial product.

[Jake Tobak @ Dec 15th 2008 1:27PM]

But how will I catch those damn Cthulhus that keep rummaging through my garbage?

[Harkonian @ Dec 15th 2008 12:16PM]

How is taking 3 image sensors with a 40° field of view and stitching the resulting image together at all innovative? And why name the company Scallop Imaging? A scallop has 100 or more eyes that can see 360°, not 180°.