Abstract: An image processing system, panoramic camera, and method use multiple image processors to process image data from an image sensor to provide a panoramic image output of different resolutions depending on a mode of operation. None of the image processors are capable of outputting an image at a full resolution of the image sensor's output image data. Depending on the mode of operation, each image processor can process a portion of the image data output by the image sensor to produce a respective image that may be joined with the image(s) produced by the other processor(s) to create a full resolution image, or a less than a full resolution image can be produced by turning off one or more of the image processors.

Abstract: A panoramic video camera includes a lens, an image sensor, a processor, and a storage medium. The lens has a field of view that includes horizontal and vertical portions, with the horizontal portion being 360° about the lens' optical axis. The image sensor converts light passing through the lens into electronic signals and the storage medium stores digital image files constructed from the electronic signals. The processor is operable to: analyze the set of digital image files to locate an object within one or more panoramic images of the set of digital image files; process the set of digital image files such that portions of panoramic images including images of the object have higher resolutions than other portions of the panoramic images to produce processed digital image files; and control the transmitter to transmit the processed digital image files to the network.

Abstract: A panoramic video camera includes a lens having a horizontal FOV portion of 360° about an optical axis. The panoramic video camera includes an image sensor, a processor, and a storage medium. The processor executes programmatic instructions to analyze digital image files to locate an object and positions thereof to produce object position data. Executed programmatic instructions also generate a plurality of zoom levels for the respective digital image files based on the object position data. The zoom levels enable a playback device to visually show the object at varying magnifications during playback of a video segment derived from the digital image files. Zoom levels may alter image capture settings of the panoramic video camera, may alter playback device playback settings, or both.

Abstract: A first panoramic video camera of the multi-camera imaging system captures images to produce captured panoramic images. At least some panoramic images include images of an object being tracked by the multi-camera imaging system. The first panoramic video camera generates a set of digital image files based on the captured panoramic images. Each digital image file of the set of digital image files is time sequenced to reflect a time at which a panoramic image was captured. The first panoramic video camera receives over a, first wireless communication network, a control message relating to tracking the object. Responsive to the control message, the first panoramic video camera transmits at least a portion of the set of digital image files over a second wireless communication network, which supports higher data rate transmission than does the first wireless communication network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring traffic based on traffic images includes a server that receives traffic image data from applications running on mobile devices. The traffic image data includes location data together with image data corresponding to images of traffic on passageways traveled by the mobile devices as captured by cameras associated with the mobile devices. The server stores the traffic image data in a data store and makes the traffic images available to other computing devices (e.g., mobile devices) in response to receipt of requests that indicate locations for which the images are desired. The server may also be programmed to perform image recognition processes on the traffic images to recognize the presence and proximities of vehicles in the traffic images, and based thereon, determine traffic congestion at the locations where the traffic images were produced. The traffic congestion data may also be shared with other mobile devices.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparel-mounted panoramic camera system includes a panoramic camera module, a base module, and a mounting apparatus. The camera module includes a panoramic lens having a longitudinal axis, an image sensor positioned below the lens, a processor operable to process image data received from the sensor, a wireless communication transceiver operable to transmit processed image data provided by the processor, and a battery that supplies power to the camera module components. The base module includes a wireless communication transceiver operable to receive the processed image data from the camera module communication transceiver, a processor operable to further process the received processed image data, and a battery that supplies power to the base module components. The mounting apparatus attaches the camera module to an item of apparel such that the longitudinal axis of the panoramic lens is tilted from a vertical direction by a non-zero tilt angle.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a panoramic visual image display, an associated directional sound playback device, and an associated motion reproduction device is disclosed. The imaging system conveys visual, sound and motion information related to a particular viewing direction to provide a realistic experience for the viewer. The imaging system can also comprise a panoramic visual image recording device capable of recording panoramic images, an associated directional sound capturing device capable of recording sound, and an associated directional motion capturing device capable of recording motion. Recorded panoramic images, sound and motion can be synchronously recorded to a common time code for simultaneous playback.

Abstract: The invention relates to capturing, processing, and displaying panoramic content such as video content and image data with a panoramic camera system. In one embodiment, a method for processing panoramic video content may include capturing video content in a data storage medium of a panoramic camera; dividing the captured video content into multiple analysis portions; detecting sound associated with at least one of the analysis portions; identifying content of interest from which at least one sound has been detected; and, automatically panning a field of view for the captured video content in response to the identified content of interest.