Synchronized multi-perspective pictures

• US 7,511,737 B2
• Filed: 06/30/2004
• Issued: 03/31/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Scenera Mobile Technologies LLC (Scenera Research LLC)
• Original Assignee: Scenera Technologies LLC (Scenera Research LLC)
• Inventors: Singh, Mona
• Primary Examiner(s): Tran; Sinh
• Assistant Examiner(s): AGGARWAL, YOGESH K
• Application Number:
  US10/883,220
• Publication Number:
  US 20060001744A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,735 Days
• Field of Search: 348/211.3, 348/211.11, 348/159
• US Class Current: 348/211.3
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00307 with a mobile telephone apparatus constructional features of portable telephone sets H04M1/0202; mobile radio systems H04W84/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00347 with another still picture apparatus, e.g. hybrid still picture apparatus circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between image input and image output device H04N1/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0039 Connection via a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0055 By radio
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/698 for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/90 Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums

Abstract

In a method for synchronized multi-perspective image capture, an ad hoc network is formed between a plurality of image capture devices. A leader is then selected from the plurality of image capture devices. The leader sends the other image capture devices (termed “followers”) a capture message. In response to the capture message, the follower image capture devices synchronously capture images of a common subject matter. The follower image capture devices send their respective captured images to the leader. The leader then consolidates the captured images. In this manner, simultaneous and/or synchronized multi-perspective image capture of a common subject matter is accomplished without requiring expensive or specialized devices.

Claims

1. A method for synchronized multi-perspective image capture, comprising:

forming an ad hoc network between a plurality of image capture devices;

selecting a leader from the plurality of image capture devices, wherein the selecting further comprises;

determining the leader by a plurality of users of the plurality of image capture devices;

waiting until the other image capture devices are visible on an interface of the leader; and

agreeing to lead the other image capture devices by a user of the leader;

sending a capture message from the leader to the other image capture devices of the plurality of image capture devices; and

synchronously capturing images of a common subject matter by the other image capture devices in response to the capture message.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sending the captured images from the other image capture devices to the leader; and

consolidating the captured images by the leader.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sending comprises:

sending a ready message from the leader to the other image capture devices;

collecting responses from the other image capture devices by the leader;

determining if sufficient “

yeses”

are received from the other image capture devices; and

sending the capture message from the leader to the other image capture devices, if sufficient “

yeses”

are received.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the consolidating comprises:

determining if sufficient images are received from the other image capture devices by the leader; and

consolidating the received images, if sufficient images are received.

5. A computer readable medium embodying computer program instructions for synchronized multi-perspective image capture, the computer program instructions comprising:

forming an ad hoc network between a plurality of image capture devices;

selecting a leader from the plurality of image capture devices;

wherein the selecting instruction further comprises instructions for;

determining the leader by a plurality of users of the plurality of image capture devices;

waiting until the other image capture devices are visible on an interface of the leader; and

agreeing to lead the other image capture devices by a user of the leader;

sending a capture message from the leader to the other image capture devices of the plurality of image capture devices; and

synchronously capturing images of a common subject matter by the other image capture devices in response to the capture message.

6. The medium of claim 5, further comprising instructions for:

sending the captured images from the other image capture devices to the leader; and

consolidating the captured images by the leader.

7. The medium of claim 5, wherein the sending instruction comprises instructions for:

sending a ready message from the leader to the other image capture devices;

collecting responses from the other image capture devices by the leader;

determining if sufficient “

yeses”

are received from the other image capture devices; and

sending the capture message from the leader to the other image capture devices, if sufficient “

yeses”

are received.

8. The medium of claim 6, wherein the consolidating instruction comprises instructions for:

determining if sufficient images are received from the other image capture devices by the leader; and

consolidating the received images, if sufficient images are received.

9. A method for synchronized multi-perspective image capture, comprising:

joining an ad hoc network including a plurality of image capture devices;

receiving a notification of a selection as a leader from the plurality of image capture devices;

waiting until the other image capture devices are visible on an interface;

sending a notification agreeing to lead the other image capture devices;

sending a capture message to the plurality of image capture devices; and

synchronously capturing an image of a common subject matter with the plurality of image capture devices capturing images of the common subject matter in response to the capture message.