Method and apparatus for electronically distributing images from a panoptic camera system

• US 6,539,547 B2
• Filed: 04/03/2001
• Issued: 03/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/08/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cedar Lane Technologies Inc.
• Original Assignee: Be Here Corporation
• Inventors: Morrow, Howard, Lomax, Willard Curtis, Driscoll, Edward Jr., Steinhauer, Alan J.
• Primary Examiner(s): BRITTON, HOWARD W
• Application Number:
  US09/826,324
• Publication Number:
  US 20020041326A1
• Time in Patent Office: 721 Days
• Field of Search: H04/N.530, H04/N.718, 348/36, 348/39, 725/91, 725/114
• US Class Current: 725/91
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 37/00 Panoramic or wide-screen photography; Photographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveying; Photographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/698 for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/2628 Alteration of picture size, shape, position or orientation, e.g. zooming, rotation, rolling, perspective, translation
• 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 7/185 from a mobile camera, e.g. for remote control

Abstract

An electronic image distribution apparatus for distributing panoramic images is disclosed. The central feature of the system is a panoramic image server coupled to a source of panoramic image information. The source of panoramic image frames may be a panoramic image storage device or a panoramic camera system. The panoramic image server converts the panoramic image frames into a format that is more conducive for electronic transmission. Specifically, the panoramic image server extracts a subset of each panoramic image frame and compresses that subset of the panoramic image. The panoramic image server may also geometrically transform the subset of the panoramic image frame. The compressed subset of a panoramic image frame is transmitted across a transmission medium to a client system. The client system decompresses the subset of panoramic image frame and displays the subset of the panoramic image frame. To conserve bandwidth, the panoramic image server compresses a large portion of the panoramic image frame and leaves a smaller portion of the panoramic image frame. The smaller portion of the panoramic image frame is later expanded by the client system.

Claims

1. A television comprising:

a receiver configured to receive a television signal that contains a first portion of a subset of a panoramic image frame and a second portion of said subset; and

an expansion mechanism, responsive to the receiver mechanism, configured to expand said second portion.

2. The television of claim 1 further comprising:

a display mechanism, responsive to the expansion mechanism, configured to present said first portion and said expanded second portion.

3. The television of claim 1 wherein said television signal includes a stereo channel balanced to match said subset.

4. The television of claim 1 wherein said television signal includes a stereo channel balanced to match said subset.

5. The television of claim 1 further comprising:

a control mechanism configured to receive a command input; and

a communication mechanism configured to send a representation of said command input to a transmitter of said television signal, whereby said subset is responsive to said command input.

6. The television of claim 1 further comprising:

a connection to a control box, said control box including;

a control mechanism configured to receive a command input; and

a communication mechanism configured to send a representation of said command input to a transmitter of said television signal, whereby said subset is responsive to said command input.

7. The television of claim 6 wherein said control box includes a central unit.