System For Displaying Images

• US 20080285886A1
• Filed: 03/29/2006
• Published: 11/20/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Matthew Emmerson Allen
• Original Assignee: Matthew Emmerson Allen
• Inventors: Allen, Matthew Emmerson
• Application Number:
  US11/909,693
• Publication Number:
  US 20080285886A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/284
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/29 Geographical information databases
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/58 Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 17/05 Geographic models

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic image storage and display system. The system comprises a storage means for storing a plurality of images. The plurality of images are taken, at a location between two sides of a road, on a pavement or the like at a side of a road, or between buildings at two sides of a road, at adjacent locations along the sides of the roads, so that they cover the total extent of a plurality of roads. The system comprises a location selection interface, e.g. a map interface 12 or drop down menus, arranged to allow a user to select a location and the system is arranged to receive and process selection, and retrieve an image of a selected location from storage means. The system can sequence a plurality of images of a selected path and play the path back in order. The system also comprises a map 18 which can display the selected location markers as a series of images, e.g. relating to a path, are displayed. The system may be internet based. In another embodiment, the system can be used with in-car satellite navigation equipment.

Claims

1. An electronic image storage and display system, the system comprising a storage means for storing a plurality of images, wherein the storage means comprising a plurality of images taken in a direction transverse to an axis of a road so as to show part of a side of a road, the system comprises a location selection interface arranged to allow a user to select a location, and the system is arranged to receive and process selection, and retrieve an image of a selected location from storage means.

3. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises an image or images of all of at least one side of a road.

4. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises an image or images of at least part of both sides of a road.

5. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises a first image showing at least part of a first side of a road, and a second image showing at least part of a second side of a road.

6. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises a first image which shows only a first side of a road, and a second image which shows only a second side of a road.

7. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images of the total length of a first side of a road and part of a second side of the road.

8. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images of the total length of both sides of a road.

9. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images taken at or adjacent a plurality of roads of part of at least one side of a plurality of roads.

10. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images of all of at least one side of a plurality of roads.

11. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images showing at least part of both sides of a plurality of roads.

12. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises a first image showing at least part of a first side of a first road, and a second image showing at least part of a second side of a first road, a third image showing at least part of a first side of a second road, and a fourth image showing at least part of a second side of a second road (etcetera).

13. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises a first image which shows only a first side of a road, and a second image which shows only a second side of a road, a third image showing at least part of a first side of a second road, and a fourth image showing at least part of a second side of a second road (etcetera).

14. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images of the total length of a first side of a road, and part of a second side of the road, and part of a first side of a second road, and part of a second side of a second road.

15. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images of the total length of a first side of a road, and part of a second side of the road, and total length of a first side of a second road, and part of a second side of a second road.

16. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images of the total length of a first side of a road, and total length of a second side of the road, and total length of a first side of a second road, and total length of a second side of a second road.

17. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises separate images showing each side of each road.

18. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images covering total length of both sides of roads.

19. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images taken at or adjacent at least ten different named roads.

20. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images taken at or adjacent at least fifty different named roads.

21. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality, preferably the majority, most preferably all, of images in the storage means span up to, but no more than, the full extent of a road.

22. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises a plurality of images taken at intervals in excess of 0.5 m or so that each of a plurality of images spans at least 0.5 m.

23. An electronic image display system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises a plurality of images taken at intervals of less than every 200 m or so that each of a plurality of images spans less than 200 m.

24. An electronic image display system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises a plurality of images taken at intervals of between 1 m and 200 m or so that each of a plurality of images spans at least 0.5 m and less than 200 m.

25. An electronic image display system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises a plurality of images taken at intervals of between 10-100 m or so that each of a plurality of images spans at least 10 m and less than 100 m.

26. An electronic image display system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises a plurality of images taken at intervals of between 20-50 m or so that each of a plurality of images spans at least 20 m and less than 50 m.

27. An electronic image display system according to claim 16, wherein the storage means comprises a plurality of images taken at regular intervals or so that they cover equal distances.

28. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises a plurality of images taken at successive locations along a road and which, can be viewed, either individually, as a plurality or as a whole, to provide a panorama of a side of a road.

29. An electronic image storage system according to claim 28, wherein the storage means comprises a plurality of images forming a panorama of both sides of a road.

30. An electronic image storage system according to claim 28, wherein the storage means comprises images forming a panorama of a side of plurality of roads.

31. An electronic image storage system according to claim 28, wherein the storage means comprises images forming a panorama of both sides of a plurality of roads.

32. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 28 to 31, wherein storage means comprises a plurality of images for which there are no gaps between images.

33. An electronic image storage system according to claim 32, wherein storage means comprises a plurality of images which have less than 20% overlap, by content of image, with any image covering an adjacent view.

34. An electronic image storage system according to claim 32, wherein storage means comprises a plurality of images which have negligible or no overlap, by content of image, with any image covering an adjacent view.

35. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images covering a road length of at least 0.5 km.

36. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images covering a road length of at least 1 km.

37. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images covering a road length of at least 10 km.

38. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images covering a road length of at least 100 km.

39. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises at least one image, preferably a plurality of images, of every public road, connected to two or more other roads, in a 0.25 km² urban area.

40. An electronic image storage system according to claim 39, wherein the storage means is arranged to store at least one image, preferably a plurality of images, of all public roads in the urban area.

41. An electronic image storage system according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the urban area is at least 0.5 km².

42. An electronic image storage system according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the urban area is at least 1 km².

43. An electronic image storage system according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the urban area is at least 5 km².

44. An electronic image storage system according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the urban area is at least 10 km².

45. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the images in the storage means is taken from a (movable) ground based object.

46. An electronic image storage system according to claim 45, wherein at least one image of each of a plurality of roads in the storage means is taken from ground based object.

47. An electronic image storage system according to claim 45, wherein each image in the storage means is taken from a ground based object.

48. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein storage means comprises a plurality of images taken at an angle along axis of the road, i.e. in the direction of the road.

49. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein storage means comprises a plurality of images taken at an angle perpendicular to the direction of the road.

50. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein storage means comprises a plurality of images taken at an angle between the axis of the road and an angle perpendicular to axis of road.

51. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein storage means comprises a plurality of images taken at an angle of between 85 degrees above the plane of the ground and 85 degrees below the plane of the ground.

52. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein storage means comprises a plurality of images taken at an angle between forty five above the plane and the horizontal plane.

53. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the images in the storage means is images taken in a direction roughly parallel to the ground.

54. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises images showing an end to end panorama corresponding to the total length of a loop of road.

55. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic image storage system comprises a second (separate) storage means which is arranged to store a plurality of locations, e.g. successive points, sections along the length of a road, or roads, corresponding to locations at which images stored in storage means were taken.

56. An electronic image storage system according to claim 55, wherein images are numbered.

57. An electronic image storage system according to claim 56, wherein storage means comprises images of end to end sections of a road loop.

58. An electronic image storage system according to claim 57, wherein end to end sections of road loop are numbered in a sequence.

59. An electronic image storage system according to claim 57 or 58, wherein images of sections of road loop comprise images of a plurality of different named roads.

60. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system is arranged to store the dates on which images of at least one road were obtained.

61. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system comprises images of plurality of roads and is arranged to store the dates on which images of all roads were obtained.

62. An electronic image storage system according to claim 60 or 61, wherein the system comprises means for reviewing age of images in storage means.

63. An electronic image storage system according to claim 62, wherein system comprises alert means arranged to alert if age of an image exceeds a predetermined threshold, preferably location of aged images given, most preferably via a map.

64. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system comprises notification means for notifying that the system has more than a preset no. of images for a particular location.

65. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, the display system comprising a location selection means for allowing a user to select and input a location, and means for receiving a signal relating to the selected location, selection processing means, arranged to process the signal(s) relating to the selected location and an image display means arranged to display an image corresponding to the selected location.

66. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 65, wherein the image display means comprises a video display means which displays a video corresponding to the selected location.

67. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 65 or 66, wherein the image display means comprises a photo display means which displays a photo corresponding to the selected location.

68. An electronic image display storage according to claim 65, wherein the location selection means is arranged to allow a user to select and input a plurality of locations, and means for receiving a signal relating to the selected locations, selection processing means arranged to process the signal(s) relating to the selected locations and an image display means which is arranged to display an image corresponding to each of the selected plurality of locations.

69. An electronic image storage system according to claim 68, wherein the image display means comprises a video display means which is arranged to display a video corresponding to the selected locations.

70. An electronic image storage system according to claim 68, wherein the image display means comprises a photo display means which is arranged to display a photo corresponding to the selected locations.

71. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 65 to 70, wherein the system is arranged to display the date on which one or a plurality of images are obtained to the user.

72. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein storage means comprises one or more images taken from a pavement or the like adjacent the road, or the road itself.

73. An electronic image storage system according to claim 72, wherein storage means comprises one or more images of a side of a road taken from a pavement on an opposite side of a road to the object of the image.

74. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the location selection means comprises a data field arranged to receive a user entered keyword such as all or part of a street name to obtain an image of that location, or a list of results from which one location can be selected and viewed.

75. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, location selection means comprises a dropdown menu so that a user can select the name of a street they want to view.

76. An electronic image display system according to any preceding claim, wherein location selection means comprises a dropdown menu so that a user can select the number of an address on the street.

77. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein location selection means comprises dropdown menu so that a user can select the name of an urban area such as a city, town or the like.

78. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the location selection means comprises dropdown menu so that a user can select the name of a country.

79. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein location selection means comprises GPS field and means for reading GPS so as to provide view of correct location.

80. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system is arranged so that a user can use dropdown menus to select the name of a country, and a menu drops down from which a country is selected, then a menu of country specific cities/towns drops down and a user can click on one city/town to select it then a menu of city/town specific streets drops down and a user can click on one street to select it, then a menu of street specific property numbers drops down and a user can click on one property number to select it.

81. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the location selection means comprises map means.

82. An electronic image storage system according to claim 81, wherein the location selection means comprises map interface means.

83. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 82, wherein the map interface means comprises one selectable location thereon which allows a user to select one location on the map interface means.

84. An electronic image storage system according to claim 83, wherein the selectable location is a road, section of a road, or point along a road, or like pathway or other route way such as a waterway, or a building adjacent a road.

85. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 82, wherein the map interface means comprises a plurality of selectable locations thereon, which allows a user to select one of a plurality of locations on the map interface means.

86. An electronic image storage system according to claim 85, wherein the map interface means comprises individually selectable roads, or like pathways, or other route ways such as a waterways, or buildings adjacent a road.

87. An electronic image storage system according to claim 86, wherein an image display means is arranged to display one or more images corresponding to the selected road or roads.

88. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 87, wherein the image display means is arranged to display an image such as a video corresponding to at least part of the selected road or roads.

89. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 87, wherein the image display means is arranged to display an image such as a video corresponding to the total length of the selected road or roads.

90. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 87, wherein the image display means is arranged to display an image such as a video showing both sides of the selected road or roads.

91. An electronic image storage system according to claim 85, wherein the plurality of selectable locations comprises a plurality of spaced points on or adjacent at least one of the roads on the map interface means.

92. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 91, wherein the map interface means comprises spaced points on or adjacent all of the roads on the map interface that are connected to at least two other roads.

93. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 91, wherein the map interface means comprises spaced points on or adjacent all of the roads.

94. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 91, 92, or 93, wherein the spaced points are spaced roughly equally along the or each road.

95. An electronic location image storage system according to any of claims 83 to 85, wherein the map interface means comprises two spaced apart locations, defining a selectable section spanning two spaced locations, and a means for allowing a user to select the section, preferably further spaced apart locations defining further selectable section or sections.

96. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 85, wherein the map interface means comprises at least one road divided into a plurality of selectable lengthwise sections.

97. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 95 or 96, wherein map interface means comprises a plurality of selectable lengthwise sections extending consecutively along part of road length, preferably each selectable lengthwise section extending consecutively along part of road length.

98. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 95, 96, or 97, wherein all of the roads on the map interface means that are connected to at least two other roads comprise a selectable lengthwise sections, preferably each extending along part of road length.

99. An electronic location image storage system according to any of claims 95 to 98, wherein the majority, preferably all, of the public roads on the map interface means comprise a plurality of selectable lengthwise sections, each extending along part of road length.

100. An electronic location image storage system according to any of claims 95 to 99, wherein plurality of selectable lengthwise sections are of regular length.

101. An electronic location image storage system according to any of claims 95 to 100, wherein plurality of the selectable lengthwise sections are arranged end to end.

102. An electronic location image storage system according to any of claims 95 to 101, wherein plurality of lengthwise sections run from road junction to road junction.

103. An electronic location image storage system according to any of claims 95 to 101, wherein at least one selectable lengthwise section is defined by two breaks in a boundary of a road.

104. An electronic image storage system according to claim 103, wherein one or more roads of map interface means comprises at least one selectable lengthwise section in at least one side of a road.

105. An electronic image storage system according to claim 103 or 104, wherein map interface means comprises at least one selectable lengthwise section in each side boundary of a road.

106. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 103, 104 or 105, wherein map interface means comprises further breaks defining further selectable lengthwise sections on both sides of a plurality of roads.

107. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 103 to 106, wherein map interface means comprises at least one selectable lengthwise section in each road.

108. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 103 to 107, wherein breaks are minimal thereby not excessively disrupting map border continuity.

109. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 103 to 108, wherein selectable sections can change colour/shade/shape when selected, or when a computer mouse hovers over it.

110. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 103 to 109, wherein at least two of the selectable sections are grouped in a pair, e.g. corresponding to opposite sides of a road.

111. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 103 to 110, wherein selectable section has arrow headed end or the like.

112. An electronic image display system according to any of claims 85 to 111, at least one, preferably a plurality of selectable sections, links to an image of the selectable section, preferably taken in the direction of the side of the road.

113. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 85 to 111, wherein selectable points or sections comprise a polygon such as a triangle, rectangle or circle to denote it.

114. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 85 to 111, wherein image display means is arranged to display an image or images relating to entire extent of one or more lengthwise section.

115. An electronic location image storage system according to any of claims 85 to 111, wherein image display means is arranged to display a single image which shows entire extent of lengthwise section.

116. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 115, wherein the location selection means comprises selectable locations at a frequency of more than every 0.5 m or selectable sections covering lengths of a road of more than 0.5 m.

117. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 115 or 116, wherein location selection means has selectable locations at a frequency of less than every 200 m or selectable sections covering lengths of a road of less than 200 m.

118. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 117, wherein location selection means has selectable locations at a frequency of between 1 m and 200 m or selectable sections covering lengths of a road of between 1 m and 200 m.

119. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 117, wherein location selection means has selectable locations at a frequency of between 10-50 m or selectable sections covering lengths of a road of between 10 m and 50 m.

120. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 82 to 119, wherein the map interface means is arranged so that at least one road, e.g. a road of great popularity or importance such as 5^th Avenue in New York or Oxford Street in London, is provided with two or more sets of selectable locations, sections, or paths, along its length.

121. An electronic image storage system according to claim 120, wherein the first set of selectable locations is arranged to cover a greater number of selectable locations along its length to the second set.

122. An electronic image storage system according to claim 121, wherein the first set offers more detailed images than the second set.

123. An electronic image storage system according to claim 121 or 122, wherein the first set is arranged to process views in a different direction, e.g. north facing, to the second set, e.g. south facing.

124. An electronic image storage system according any of claims 82 to 123, wherein the map interface means has numbering means for numbering in sequence selected sections or points, and sequencing means ensure images are played in same sequence.

125. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 82 to 124, wherein the map interface has roads that are broken down into cells or points or selectable sections, and map interface has cells or points that can be selected by hovering mouse there over and clicking to select a cell or point, and image display means is arranged to an image corresponding to the cell or point.

126. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 82 to 125, wherein map interface comprises selectable selections covering entire length of a road.

127. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 82 to 126, wherein map interlace comprises selectable selections covering both sides of a road.

128. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 82 to 127, wherein system comprises means for entering an address (e.g. on website) and image display means arranged to display images and map of location.

129. An electronic image storage system according to claim 128, wherein system comprises means for entering plurality of addresses, and image display means arranged to display plurality of images and map (s) showing locations.

130. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 82 to 129, wherein system arranged so that a user can simply click on a map, or sequence of maps, in order to get the map interface in the first place, zooming in appropriately.

131. An electronic image storage system according to claim 130, wherein one can start on a world map, optionally select a country, select a city, optionally select a sub city view, select a street, and optionally select a street number.

132. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 82 to 131, wherein system arranged to inform of locations on map interface that require an image, e.g. because there is no image or because existing image is out of date, for example by applying a different colour, line thickness or other suitable indicia, applied to cell, section or point.

133. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein system has reception means arranged to be able to receive an image of a location from a remote user.

134. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 82 to 131, wherein the map interface means comprises a three dimensional map.

135. An electronic image storage system according to claim 134, wherein shapes of buildings such as shops on a road can be simply and schematically rendered.

136. An electronic image storage system according to claim 135, wherein the shops are labeled with their name.

137. An electronic image storage system according to claim 135 or 136, wherein the user can select a building by clicking on (the fronts or tops of) them to either look through shop window or to “

go in”

the shop and look around the interior of the shop.

138. An electronic image storage system according to claim 135, wherein system is arranged to electronically receive images of shop fronts or shop interiors from shop owners or authorized persons.

139. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein system is arranged to display a plurality of images, in the way of a slideshow of successive individual photos

140. An electronic image storage system according any preceding claim, wherein system is arranged to display a plurality of images, in the way of multiple slideshows of individual photos, each slideshow showing photos taken in different directions.

141. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein system is arranged to display a plurality of images, in the way of a slideshow, and plurality of photos can be simultaneously displayed, e.g. consecutively one after the other, e.g. to provide a gapless panorama.

142. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein system comprises a map with address book data such as street numbers overlaying it, to assist user.

143. An electronic image storage system according to claim 65 or any preceding claim depending thereon, wherein location selection means comprises a path/route selection means allowing a user to choose at least two spaced locations and the image display means is arranged to display images of path/route.

144. An electronic image storage system according to claim 143, wherein the location selection means comprises a map interface means, and path selection means allows a user to select a path between two locations and image display means is arranged to display images corresponding to at least part of the selected path.

145. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 143 or 144, wherein the image display means is arranged to display a video corresponding to at least part of the selected path.

146. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 143 or 144, or 145, wherein the image display means is arranged to display photos corresponding to at least part of the selected path.

147. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 143 to 146, wherein image display means is arranged to display images comprise one or more images of roadside landmarks, e.g. churches, pubs, or road related landmarks such as traffic lights, pelican crossings, along path.

148. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 143 to 147, wherein the path selection means is arranged to allow a user to select at least part or a first road in combination with at least part of a second road.

149. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 143 to 148, wherein the path selection means comprises a plurality of spaced points.

150. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 143 to 148, wherein the path selection means comprises a plurality of selectable sections, each one spanning between two spaced locations.

151. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 143 to 150, wherein the or each selectable location may comprise a polygon such as a square or circle to denote the location.

152. An electronic location image storage system according to any of claims 143 to 151, wherein the map interface means comprises selection highlighting means to highlight a location or section or path that has been selected.

153. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 152, wherein the selection highlighting means comprises means for colouring or shading a polygon denoting the selected location or the selected section.

154. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 143 to 153, wherein the system comprises sequencing means to allow a user to sequence selected points or sections of path.

155. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 143 to 154, wherein the selectable locations are visibly numbered for the user.

156. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 143 to 155, wherein the image display means displays images of the points, sections, in a sequence corresponding to the sequence in which the points or sections were selected, e.g. as a sequential slideshow.

157. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 143 to 156, wherein the electronic image displays system is arranged to display only images relating strictly to a selected path.

159. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system comprises map display means which can be displayed together with images displayed by the image display means.

160. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 156, wherein, as slideshow or video is played a cursor on map display means relating to location is moved.

161. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 156, wherein map display means allows movement of cursor by user and cursor movement causes corresponding change in slideshow or video.

162. An electronic image storage system according to any of claims 159 to 161, wherein the map display means is arranged so that, as the image changes from point to point or section to section etc. the point or section is highlighted to inform the user of the whereabouts of the image.

163. An electronic storage system according to any of claims 159 to 161, wherein system comprising a map and a still or moving image on a single split screen.

164. An electronic image storage and display system according to any preceding claim, wherein an image display means is arranged to display images at an angle transverse to the direction of the road.

165. An electronic image storage and display system according to any preceding claim, wherein an image display means is arranged to display images taken at an angle of less than 45 degrees to the plane of the ground.

166. An electronic image storage and display system according to any preceding claim, wherein an image display means is arranged to display images taken along a plane roughly parallel to the ground.

167. An electronic image storage and display system according to any preceding claim, wherein an image display means is arranged to display consecutive images taken at different angles to the road.

168. An electronic image storage and display system according to any preceding claim, wherein an image display means is arranged to display for each of a plurality of locations a plurality of photos at different angles to the direction of the road, e.g. at one location one image between 0 and 90 degrees to the left of the axis of the road, one image along the axis of the road, and one image at between 0 and 90 degrees to the right of the axis of the road.

169. An electronic image storage and display system according to any preceding claim, wherein system is arranged to allow a user to select one or more locations, and an image display means is arranged to displays a plurality of photos corresponding to the or each selected location.

170. An electronic image storage and display system according to any preceding claim, wherein an image display means is arranged to display at least one photo in a direction having an axis at an angle transverse to the axis of the road.

171. An electronic image storage and display system according to any preceding claim, wherein an image display means is arranged to display a photo taken in a direction having an axis between perpendicular and the direction along the road in the upstream direction.

172. An electronic image storage and display system according to any preceding claim, wherein an image display means is arranged to display a photo at an angle between forty five and minus forty five degrees to a horizontal plane.

173. An electronic image storage and display system according to any preceding claim, wherein an image display means is arranged to display at least one of the photos at an average angle of about twenty five and minus twenty five degrees to the plane.

174. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic location image storage system is internet-based.

175. An electronic image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein System arranged to display distance of a selected path along with slideshow or video.

176. An electronic location image display system according to any of preceding claim, wherein the system is arranged so that a user can select one or more locations simply with a click of a mouse.

177. An electronic location image display system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system comprises video display means and an audio track on video arranged to impart geography related data.

178. An electronic location image display system according to any preceding claim, wherein audio track arranged to inform of house number in image, extent of the domicile or office in image, style of housing in image, for sale or sold prices/dates of house in image, dimensions of house in image, historical information pertaining to buildings in image, opening hours of shops in image, Or example of major/local dialect used at the location, local estate agents at location, or other information relating to the location, if and where a selected path includes tolls or narrow roads, if and where a selected path includes road gradients, if and where a selected path is prone to traffic jams, if and where a selected path has traffic lights etc., or if and where houses currently for sale on path.

179. An electronic location image display system according to claim 178, wherein system comprises means for providing written information akin to that in claim 178 relevant to location.

180. An electronic location image display system according any preceding claim, wherein image display means comprises image(s) taken through window or inside building, and when image(s) through window or inside building is displayed, information relating to products and services of building can be displayed, e.g. overlaying image or on audio track.

181. An electronic location image display system according claim 180, wherein information is price, size, colours, materials, source of goods, stock, or nearest real store, etc.

182. An electronic location image display system according to claim 181, wherein image of an item in a shop is shown, e.g. on rack, and user can click on icon to see item being modelled.

183. An electronic location image display system according to any preceding claim, wherein video display means is arranged to display for at least one selected location a video having images at different angles to the direction of the road, e.g. a video having some images which are in the direction of one side of the road and some images which are in the direction of the other side of the road.

184. An electronic location image display system according to any preceding claim, wherein Image display means comprises video display means and video playback runs at about average human walking speed in metres per second, preferably shows journey time on basis of that speed.

185. An electronic location image display system according to claim 184, wherein user can input a walking speed, e.g. fast, medium, slow, or their own walking speed, to recalculate time for them to walk along the complete path.

186. An electronic location image display system according to any preceding claim, wherein system arranged to display distance of selected path along with video.

187. An electronic image display system according to any preceding claim, wherein images are taken in a direction other than vertically downwardly.

188. An electronic image display system according to any preceding claim, wherein system stores locations of plural premises of a company name, system is arranged to receive a user entered postcode, zip code, address, or place name, and display means is arranged to display plurality of images, e.g. images of vicinity of building, or images of a route to or from, of the nearest premises from free or paid for car parking or public transport, e.g. train station.

235. An electronic location image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein system can become portable by storing images on laptop, P.D.A., or mobile phone memory or the like, for subsequent use.

236. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 235, wherein laptop, P.D.A., or mobile phone memory or the like has an index of roads, sections of roads, points along roads, etc. and corresponding images, so user can view specific roads, sections of roads, points along roads, etc.

237. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 236, wherein laptop, P.D.A., or mobile phone memory or the like has index of urban areas such as towns, cities.

238. An electronic location image storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein system has security measures which restricts number of images which can be downloaded by a user.

239. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 238, wherein system allow images of a predetermined maximum number of roads, predetermined total road length, or predetermined amount of memory to be downloaded.

243. Satellite navigation equipment, such as in car satellite navigation equipment, comprising an image storage and display system according to any preceding claim.

244. Satellite navigation equipment according to claim 243, wherein equipment arranged so that a route can be chosen, and the system is arranged to retrieve and display one or more images of landmarks along the route.

245. Satellite navigation equipment according to claim 244, wherein equipment arranged so that images can be accompanied by instructions relating to a particular landmark, e.g. “

turn left after the Church on your left”

.

246. Satellite navigation equipment according to any of claims 243 to 245, wherein equipment arranged so that a user can touch the screen of satellite navigation equipment satellite navigation equipment so that an image is displayed of the location at which the satellite navigation cursor is positioned the time of contact

247. Satellite navigation equipment according to any of claims 243 to 245, wherein equipment arranged so that voice command satellite navigation equipment so that an image is displayed of the location at which the satellite navigation cursor is positioned at the time of the command.

248. Satellite navigation equipment according to claim 246 or 247, wherein equipment arranged so that position of cursor on map can remain visible whilst image displayed.

249. Satellite navigation equipment according to any of claims 243 to 248, wherein equipment arranged so that a user can enter a route and satellite navigation equipment can give image(s) of place at which you turn into final road to get to the destination,

250. Satellite navigation equipment according to any of claims 243 to 249, wherein equipment arranged so that a user can enter a route and satellite navigation equipment can give image(s) of place at which you turn into a penultimate road, a place at which you turn into second last road, etc.

251. Satellite navigation equipment according to any of claims 243 to 249, wherein equipment arranged so that a user can enter a route and as vehicle moves along route, user can simply request satellite navigation equipment “

show me the next turn”

, wherein image of roadside is shown at place where turn should be taken.

2. An electronic image storage and display system for storing and displaying images of locations, the system comprising a storage means, the storage means comprising a plurality of still or moving images of a side of a road, the system comprises a location selection interface arranged to allow a user to select a location, and the system is arranged to receive and process selection, and retrieve an image of a selected location for display to a user, wherein each image of a location is taken at an angle perpendicular to the direction of the road, of a side of a road.

158. An electronic location image storage system according to preceding claim, wherein system comprises image slideshow or video relating to a location and means for allowing pause, fast forward, or rewind of the playback of a video or slideshow.

189. An electronic image storage system substantially as described herein with reference to one or more of the accompanying drawings.

190. An image recording apparatus for recording an image of a location, the apparatus comprising a global positioning system, transmission means for transmitting an image, and its GPS location, to a storage means, characterized in that the apparatus has a compass to measure the North, South, East, West direction in which image is recorded or the like.

191. An image recording apparatus according to claim 190, wherein the GPS is arranged to notify a person such as a vehicle occupant to record images, other means of notifying occupant to record images at predetermined intervals, e.g. vehicle odometer, or system is arranged to automatically record images.

192. An image recording apparatus according to claim 190 or 191, wherein image recording system is arranged in or on a vehicle.

193. A method of constructing a database of images, the method comprising mounting an electronic image recording apparatus for recording (photo or video) images of a plurality of locations on a vehicle, moving the vehicle incrementally, recording an elevation image of a location at each step.

194. A method of constructing a database of images according to claim 193, wherein method comprises arranging image recording apparatus to record images in a direction transverse to the direction of the road.

195. A method of constructing a database of images according to claim 193 or 194, wherein the step of moving the vehicle incrementally comprises moving between 1 m and 200 m, preferably every 10-50 m.

196. A method of constructing a database of images according to claim 193, 194 or 195, wherein the of moving the vehicle incrementally comprises moving vehicle optimum amount along path so as to minimize overlap of images and avoid missing detail along path.

197. A method of constructing a database of images according to claim 193 to 196, wherein the method comprises recording a plurality of images at each location, e.g. in different direction or at different focal lengths.

198. A method of constructing a database of images according to claim 193 to 197, wherein method comprises storing image of each location.

199. A method of constructing a database of images according to claim 193 to 198, wherein method comprises storing GPS location of each image.

200. A method of constructing a database of images according to claim 193 to 199, wherein the method comprises transmitting the or each image, and its GPS location, to a remote storage means.

201. A method of constructing a database of images according to claim 200, wherein the method comprises transmitting date and/or time of recording image to storage means.

202. A method of constructing a database of images according to claim 200 or 201, wherein the method comprises transmitting the image with a direction in which the photo was taken.

203. A method of constructing a database of images according to any of claims 200 to 202, wherein the method comprises storing gps location of image in a manner such that gps location of image can be reviewed without opening image, e.g. so image location can quickly be checked before entry to an appropriate place in a database.

204. A method of constructing a database of images according to any of claims 200 to 203, wherein the method comprises submitting an image onto a map interface means, preferably submitting a plurality of images onto a map interface means.

205. A method of constructing a database of images according to claim 204, wherein the method comprises overwriting map interface means with GPS locations, e.g. to assist user in placing images thereon.

206. An image recording assembly comprising two image recording devices arranged to face in different directions so that each of the two image recording devices can record different images.

207. An image recording assembly according to claim 206, wherein the image recording devices are arranged at 90 degrees from one another, e.g. so that the first image recording device can record images in the direction up or down the road and the second image recording device can record images in the direction of a side of road.

208. An image recording assembly according to claim 206, wherein the image recording devices are arranged at 180 degrees to face opposite directions, e.g. so that the first image recording device can record images of one side of the road and the second image recording device can record images of the other side of the road.

209. An image recording assembly according to claim 208, wherein the image recording assembly comprises a third image recording device, and the third image recording devices is arranged at 90 degrees from first and third so that each of the three image recording devices can record different images.

210. An image recording assembly according to claim 209, wherein the image recording assembly comprises a fourth image recording device, and the fourth image recording devices is arranged at 90 degrees from first and third and 180 degrees from second, so that each of the four image recording devices can record different images.

211. An image recording assembly according to any of claims 206 to 210, wherein the image recording assembly is mounted on a movable object such as a vehicle or robot.

212. An image recording assembly according to any of claims 206 to 211, wherein the image recording assembly comprises a distance measuring device such as an odometer and system is arranged to take images either at preset intervals or alert vehicle occupant to take an image.

213. An image recording assembly according to claim 212, wherein the assembly comprises means for measuring real distance spanned by an image and assembly can take photos at intervals approximately equal to span of image or alert vehicle occupant to take an image.

214. An image recording assembly according to any of claims 206 to 211, wherein the image recording assembly comprises a GPS sensor and one or more of the devices is arranged to take images at preset GPS locations or alert vehicle occupant to take an image.

215. An image recording assembly according to any of claims 206 to 211, wherein the image recording assembly is arranged to take images either at preset time intervals or alert vehicle occupant to take an image at certain location.

216. An image recording assembly according to any of claims 206 to 214, wherein the image recording assembly is voice operated.

217. An image recording assembly according to any of claims 206 to 214, wherein the image recording assembly is remotely operated.

218. An image recording assembly according to any of claims 206 to 214 or 216, wherein the image recording assembly is wirelessly operated.

219. An image recording assembly according to any of claims 206 to 217, wherein the image recording assembly is arranged to take simultaneous recording of images.

220. An image recording assembly according to any of claims 206 to 218, wherein the recording devices are connected to separate memories.

221. An image recording assembly according to any of claims 206 to 218, wherein the assembly has a compass and can save direction in which image was taken along with image.

223. An image recording assembly according to any of claims 206 to 222, wherein a screen does the same for another side of the road.

224. An image recording assembly according to any of claims 206 to 223, wherein the image recording device has storage means and GPS which triggers display of existing image(s) held for the location in storage means, allowing user to survey a location to check if there has been a change in appearance of the location.

225. An image recording assembly according to claim 224, wherein the image recording device has two (adjacent) screens allowing new image of the location and the old to be compared, on screens.

222. An image recording assembly comprising a screen arranged to display the extent of last recorded still image of a side of a road, and screen also being arranged to display a moving image of a side of a road corresponding to the image seen through the viewfinder.

226. An electronic location image recording apparatus such as a mobile phone having an integrated or associated GPS receiver and an integrated or associated camera, the mobile phone being arranged to record an image, e.g. a photograph, of a location and (wirelessly) transmit the image of the location to a electronic database, the mobile phone also being arranged to transmit the location, e.g. in GPS form, at which location the photo was taken.

227. An electronic location image recording apparatus according to claim 226, wherein apparatus is arranged to record images, e.g. a photograph, of a plurality of locations and transmit images of the locations, and to transmit the locations, e.g. in GPS form, or by text or by phone, at which location the photo or video was taken.

228. An electronic location image recording apparatus according to claim 226 or 227, wherein apparatus has a compass or the like and so is able to transmit direction in which the photo or video was taken.

229. An electronic location image storage system, comprising an apparatus according to claim 226 or 227 or 228, and a central electronic database arranged to receive images from apparatus.

230. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 229, wherein photo or video is electronically stored in an approval bay.

231. An electronic location image storage system according to claim 230, wherein system comprises a second storage means which can receive the image after quality verification.

232. An electronic location image storage system according to any of claims 229 to 231, wherein system comprises means for sending user an electronic reward such as a password for access to a website or e.g. by being able to view images up to a certain memory for free or nominal amount.

233. An electronic location image storage system according to any of claims 229 to 232, and mobile phone is arranged to transmit a location at which an image is obtained to a first storage means, the mobile phone also being arranged to transmit an image of the location to a second storage means.

234. An electronic location image storage system according to any of claims 229 to 233, wherein system is arranged to upload certain images from users straight onto a database of images to be viewed by the public, e.g. images of non-urban locations, or images from users who have good rating on previously submitted images.

240. A phone or computer having an image storage and display system, storage means storing a plurality of images, wherein the storage means comprising a plurality of images taken in a direction transverse to an axis of a road so as to show part of a side of a road, the system comprises a location selection interface arranged to allow a user to select a location, and the system is arranged to receive and process selection, and retrieve an image of a selected location from storage means.

241. A phone or computer according to claim 240, wherein phone or computer comprises suitable software to carry out functions.

242. A computer program (e.g. on a carrier) which is arranged to read from an image the location at which image was obtained and the side of the road to which image relates, and means for storing the image at the appropriate location and side of the road on a map interface.

252. An Internet based road navigation system comprising input means for a user to input a route between a first location and a second location, output means for displaying a map of the route between the first location and the second location and/or a list of instructions, the system also having means for retrieving an image from a database relating to one or more roads on the route, and means for displaying the image or images.