Patents Assigned to Internet Pictures Corporation
  • Patent number: 6732162
    Abstract: The present invention, generally speaking, provides a broad-based solution for acquisition, processing and distribution of media objects including pictures (images), movies, videos, graphics, sound clips, etc via the Internet or the like. And specifically, it is a solution to such systems for use in applications wherein there are multiple originators of media objects that will be viewed in multiple web sites having different viewing requirements. A browser-based Aprepare and post@ tool prepares and submits media objects from inside a standard browser to a remote server. A Media Acquisition, Processing and Distribution (MAPD) system receives these media objects, processes them to meet specific requirements, and delivers them for integration into remote databases. MAPD system services include media object submission, processing, hosting and mirroring. The hosting service delivers a media object URL to a remote database, allowing the media object to be requested and served by the media object server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Internet Pictures Corporation
    Inventors: Lisa T. Wood, Scott M. Lewis, Robin T. Fried
  • Patent number: 6687387
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for dewarping images. According to one aspect of the present invention, rotational motion of a scene is taken into account for purposes for performing image dewarping. The image is extracted from the scene by selecting pixel values from an environment map that correspond to a viewing plane. Velocity information associated with rotational motion of the scene is determined. Then, based upon the velocity information, a velocity-dependent transformation is determined. Finally, a perspective image is created by applying the velocity-dependent transformation to the image. In this manner, when the images is presented to a user, the appearance of visible and objectionable distortion may be reduced while maintaining the perceived geometric accuracy of the image. For example, when the scene is rotating at a high angular velocity, little or no dewarping may be performed and the image extracted therefrom may be presented essentially uncorrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Internet Pictures Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. S. Molnar, Andrew H. Mutz
  • Patent number: 6603502
    Abstract: A system for achieving perspective-corrected views at a location removed from the site of the creation of a distorted wide angle image without the transmission of control signals to the site of image creation. Angles of tilt, pan and rotation, as well as degrees of magnification, are achieved without the use of mechanical devices by using transform algorithms. The system provides for the transmission of signals related to an uncorrected image from a site where this distorted image is created, with the transmitted signals being received at one or more processing sites for creating the perspectively-corrected views. Transmission can be via telephone lines, with the system including signal compression and decompression units. Wireless transmission is also utilized where desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Internet Pictures Corporation
    Inventors: H. Lee Martin, Daniel P. Kuban
  • Patent number: 6492985
    Abstract: According to the invention, computerized methods, computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions, and apparatus are disclosed for presenting, manipulating, and serving immersive (i.e., panoramic) images. A browser or other display mechanism presents various views of the immersive image comprised of one or more sub-images received from a server, memory, or stored device. Additionally, a server is able to discriminate which type of Web page is provided for efficiently presenting views of an immersive image based on the capabilities of the viewing browser. In this manner, a user is able to efficiently view an immersive image without requiring a Java or other enhance capability browser. Moreover, the invention also provides for determining and presenting a reference indicator which identifies the portion of the immersive image. The reference indicator can also be manipulated to display new perspective views of the immersive image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Internet Pictures Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew H. Mutz, Trajan E. Unger, Adam Sah, Daniel A. Stryker, Joseph R. S. Molnar