Distributed Video Sensor Panoramic Imaging System

• US 20080117288A1
• Filed: 10/30/2007
• Published: 05/22/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: iMove Inc. (Digital Domain Holdings Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: iMove Inc. (Digital Domain Holdings Ltd.)
• Inventors: Park, Michael C.
• Application Number:
  US11/928,016
• Publication Number:
  US 20080117288A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/36
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/00 Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/27 providing all-round vision, e.g. using omnidirectional cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/28 with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/20092 Interactive image processing based on input by user
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/30252 Vehicle exterior; Vicinity of vehicle
• 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

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 first 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 the series of images being stored in a second file format. The viewer module may also be capable of rendering the series of images using the second 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 first file format;

a viewer module capable of rendering the series of images using the first 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 the series of images being stored in a second file format, and

wherein the viewer module is capable of rendering the series of images using the second 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 each of the images in the series of images is captured in one of a JPEG format and a GIF format.

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

5. The panoramic imaging system of claim 1, wherein at least one image in the series of images is individually selectable using the first file format.

6. 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.

7. The panoramic imaging system of claim 6, wherein the higher resolution series of images is capable of being integrated into the first file format.

8. 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 first file format.

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

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

10. The panoramic imaging system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of separated video cameras is disposed on an exterior of the object.

11. The panoramic imaging system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of separated video cameras is disposed on an interior of the object.

12. The panoramic imaging system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of separated video cameras, the viewer module, and the calibration module is capable of communicating data wirelessly.

13. 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 first 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 with the at least one captured image in a second file format,

wherein the at least one captured image is renderable according to the second set of information.