Method for virtualizing an environment

• US 5,497,188 A
• Filed: 07/06/1993
• Issued: 03/05/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Perry Kaye
• Original Assignee: Perry Kaye
• Inventors: Kaye, Perry
• Primary Examiner(s): Chin, Tommy P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LIN, BRYAN T
• Application Number:
  US08/085,779
• Time in Patent Office: 973 Days
• Field of Search: 348/36, 348/37, 348/38, 348/39, 348/40, 348/41, 348/42, 348/46, 348/50, 348/61, 348/121, 348/143, 348/148, 348/157, 348/373, 348/359, 348/345, 348/347, 348/348, 364/424.01, 364/424.02, 364/424.03, 364/443, 364/444
• US Class Current: 348/36
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/185 from a mobile camera, e.g. for remote control

Abstract

An apparatus for capturing optical information to virtualize an environment includes a platform, an essentially vertical positioning shaft mounted on the platform, a range finding mechanism for detecting the range of locations in real space in the environment, a camera, structurally connected to the shaft, a mechanism for rotating the camera relative to the platform, a mechanism for translationally moving the camera along the shaft and relative to the platform. The range finding mechanism measures the distance between the camera and an object in the environment, for focusing the camera. The range finding mechanism includes a laser generating device. The apparatus also includes a computer for tracking and controlling the mechanisms for translationally and rotationally moving the camera relative to the platform, for controlling the wheel motor to propel and position the platform in a desired location to achieve a useful camera perspective within the environment, and to store and process and reconcile the image in a data-base.

Claims

1. A method of gathering optical information within an environment using an apparatus comprising a platform mounted on a plurality of wheels on which said platform can roll, motor means for rotating at least one said wheel, circuit means for delivering power to said motor means from a power source, a switch for controlling the delivery of power to said wheels through said circuit, an essentially vertical positioning shaft mounted on said platform, a camera, structurally connected to said shaft, for gathering images in the form of environmental picture elements, range gathering means for finding the distances of said images from said camera for computation of the coordinates of said images in real space in said environment, means for rotating said camera relative to said platform for orienting said camera within said environment, camera elevation control means for translationally moving said camera along said shaft and relative to said platform for positioning said camera within said environment, computer means having programming and zoom means on said camera, comprising the steps of:

rotationally moving said camera relative to said platform with said means for rotationally moving said camera to a series of different rotational positions,

and moving said camera to a series of different locations within said environment by operating said motor to rotate said at least one wheel to thereby move said platform within said environment,

measuring the distance of each said image from said camera,

operating said zoom means on said camera so that the environmental picture element captured is in correct proportion to other environmental picture elements in said environment,

recording images in the form of environmental picture elements within said environment with said camera,

storing said images within said computer means,

operating said camera elevation control means for positioning said camera within said environment to achieve useful camera perspectives,

storing and reconciling said images, said distances of said images from said camera and corresponding positions and orientations of said camera within said environment as data for computing said coordinates of said images in real space,

combining said data to create and store in a database a topographic, three dimensional virtual image.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ranges are detected simultaneously and then video image information is captured matching said ranges.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said range and video information for said location is captured essentially simultaneously.

4. A method of gathering optical information using an apparatus comprising a platform mounted on a plurality of wheels on which said platform can roll, motor means for rotating at least one said wheel, circuit means for delivering power to said motor means from a power source, a switch for controlling the delivery of power to said wheels through said circuit, an essentially vertical positioning shaft mounted on said platform, a camera, structurally connected to said shaft, for gathering images in the form of environmental picture elements, range gathering means for finding the distances of said images from said camera for computation of the coordinates of said images in real space in said environment, means for rotating said camera relative to said platform for orienting said camera within said environment, camera elevation control means for translationally moving said camera along said shaft and relative to said platform for positioning said camera within said environment, computer means having programming and zoom means on said camera, comprising the steps of:

gathering image information at a series of image locations in a 360 degree environment,

gathering range information matching the image locations with video gathering means,

storing and reconciling said images, said distances of said images from said camera and corresponding positions and orientations of said camera within said environment as data for computing said coordinates of said images in real space,

combining said data to create and store in a database a topographic, three dimensional virtual image of said environment.

5. A method according to claim 4, comprising the additional step of:

directing systems operations, sensing the systems position, processing, managing, and reconciling said range and image information.