Here is a cool concept for a camera- a ball affixed with many camera sensors that can capture 360-degree panoramic photos. Make that ball throwable and capture photos when thrown as it reaches its highest point, simply to add some fun element. That is exactly what the researchers at Technische Universitat in Berlin has just developed, a Throwable Panoramic Ball Camera.

Although the Throwable Panoramic Ball Camera may seem such as a fun toy to play with, it's quite a complex piece of device. This unique ball is equipped with 36 2MP cellphone camera modules evenly distributed as well as encased around a 3D printed sphere. The ball is then padded to protect the gadgets encased inside it whenever thrown.

The Throwable Panoramic Ball also contains an accelerometer that calculates its movement. Whenever it reaches the peak height when thrown, it automatically snaps a single stitched photograph in 360 degree panorama. The capture image can then be uploaded to a PC through a USB connection. The developers of this unique ball shaped throwable camera intend to show it off Siggraph Asia 2011 in December with hopes to find a few interested investors for it. But for now, this Throwable Panoramic Ball Camera remains an interesting concept.


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