Distributed Video Sensor Panoramic Imaging System

• US 20120075414A1
• Filed: 12/01/2011
• Published: 03/29/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immersive Licensing, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Immersive Licensing, Inc.
• Inventors: Park, Michael C., White, Patrick W., Sandven, Steven C.
• Granted Patent: US 10,375,355 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/36
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2200/24 involving graphical user interfaces [GUIs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/20092 Interactive image processing based on input by user
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/30 Determination of transform parameters for the alignment of images, i.e. image registration
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/80 Analysis of captured images to determine intrinsic or extrinsic camera parameters, i.e. camera calibration
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

A panoramic imaging system includes a plurality of separated video cameras that may be distributed around an object. A series of images captured by at least one of the separated video cameras is stored in a predetermined file format. The panoramic system further includes a viewer module that may render the series of images using the first file format. Moreover, the panoramic system includes a calibration module capable of modifying information associated with at least one of the series of images, where the modification results in calibration data stored in a configuration file and/or in the predetermined file format. The viewer module may also be capable of rendering the series of images in accordance with the predetermined file format.

Claims

1. A panoramic imaging system, comprising:

a plurality of separated video cameras capable of being distributed around an object, wherein a series of images captured by at least one of the separated video cameras is stored in a predetermined file format;

a viewer module capable of rendering the series of images using the predetermined file format; and

a calibration module capable of modifying information associated with at least one of the series of images, wherein the modification results in at least one of creation of calibration data and modification of the predetermined file format, and

wherein the viewer module is capable of rendering the series of images in accordance with the calibration data, the calibration data being storable in the predetermined file format.

2. The panoramic imaging system of claim 1, wherein the object is one of a vehicle and a building structure.

3. The panoramic imaging system of claim 1, wherein the viewer module is capable of rendering the series of images as they are captured.

4. The panoramic imaging system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of separated video cameras is capable of capturing a series of images at a resolution higher than a resolution at which another of the plurality of separated video cameras captures a series of images.

5. The panoramic imaging system of claim 4, wherein the higher resolution series of images is capable of being integrated into the predetermined file format.

6. The panoramic imaging system of claim 5, wherein the viewer module is further capable of rendering the higher resolution series of images.

7. The panoramic imaging system of claim 1, further comprising:

a capture module capable of converting a raw image format of the series of images into the predetermined file format.

8. The panoramic imaging system of claim 1, further comprising:

a data store capable of storing images in the predetermined file format, wherein the data store is operatively connected to the viewer module and the calibration module.

9. A panoramic imaging method, comprising:

capturing images with separated video cameras distributed around an object;

storing at least one of the captured images in a predetermined file format, wherein the at least one captured image is renderable according to a first set of information; and

aligning the at least one captured image, wherein the aligning results in generation of a second set of information capable of being stored in a configuration file,

wherein the at least one captured image is renderable in accordance with the second set of information.

10. The panoramic imaging method of claim 9, wherein at least one of the separated video cameras is distributed in an interior region of the object.

11. The panoramic imaging method of claim 9, wherein at least one of the separated video cameras is distributed in an exterior region of the object.

12. The panoramic imaging method of claim 9, further comprising:

visually rendering the at least one captured image.

13. The panoramic imaging method of claim 12, wherein the at least one captured image is visually rendered in real-time.

14. The panoramic imaging method of claim 9, wherein the at least one captured image is of a higher resolution than another image captured by the separated video cameras.

15. The panoramic imaging method of claim 9, wherein the aligning comprises:

adjusting the at least one captured image with reference to at least one other image captured by the separated video cameras.

16. The panoramic imaging method of claim 9, wherein the object is one of a vehicle and a building structure.

17. A computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein and that are executable by a processor, the instructions comprising instructions to:

input at least one image captured by at least one of a plurality of separated video cameras distributed around an object, wherein the inputted at least one captured image is in a predetermined file format;

display the at least one captured image;

adjust a characteristic of the at least one captured image in response to a command provided by a user to which the at least one captured image is displayed; and

storing calibration data associated with the adjustment in the predetermined file format.