Abstract: An interactive computer program for seaming a number of images into a panorama. Various parameters which affect how the images are seamed can be changed interactively. Parameters such as position, orientation, focal length, which image will be visible where images overlap, and the opacity curve can be changed. The result of any change is immediately visible. A user can move the control points, thereby “morphing” or distorting the contribution to the panorama of an image. Each pixel is assigned an “alpha” value which indicates the opacity value of that pixel in an area where images overlap. Alpha values can be changed according to a pre-established curve. The original images are not changed. Instead, only the transform between the original images and the final panorama is changed.

Abstract: An improved surveillance system which includes a multi-lens camera system and a viewer. The camera system includes a plurality of single lens cameras each of which have a relatively wide angle lens. These single lens cameras simultaneously capture images that can be seamed into a panorama. The camera system also includes a high resolution camera (i.e. a camera with a telephoto lens) that can be pointed in a selected direction that is within the field of view of the other cameras. The system displays a view window into the panorama that is created from images captured by the wide angle lenses. The image from the high resolution camera is either superimposed on top of the panoramic image or it is displayed on a separate monitor. If it is displayed in the panorama, the higher solution image is positioned at the point in the panorama which is displaying the same area in space at a lower resolution.

Abstract: A camera which has a plurality of subsystems which simultaneously capture a plurality of single view images which together form a panorama. An identification of the particular camera that produced a set of images is recorded in a file along with the images produced by the camera. The characteristics of each particular camera are also recorded either in the camera or in a separate file. The program used to seam a set of single view image then has available information concerning the camera that produced the images and the parameters of that particular camera. Using the available information the seaming program can compensate for the characteristics of the particular image capture device that produced a particular set of images.

Abstract: Spherical surveillance system architecture delivers real time, high-resolution spherical imagery integrated with surveillance data (e.g., motion detection event data) to one or more subscribers (e.g., consoles, databases) via a network (e.g., copper or wireless). One or more sensors are connected to the network to provide the spherical images and surveillance data in real time. In one embodiment, the spherical images are integrated with surveillance data (e.g., data associated with motion detection, object tracking, alarm events) and presented on one or more display devices according to a specified display format. In one embodiment, raw spherical imagery is analyzed for motion detection and compressed at the sensor before it is delivered to subscribers over the network, where it is decompressed prior to display.

Abstract: A surveillance system that includes a number of camera subsystems. Each camera subsystem includes a number of single lens cameras pointing in different directions which simultaneously capture images. Each camera subsystem covers a particular theater of interest. Each single lens camera captures an image of a particular region in a particular theater. When an object of interest is identified, the system can follow the object as it moves between regions and theaters in a facility. When an object is being followed, the system can provide a view of the object as it transitions between regions covered different single lens cameras in a particular camera subsystem and as it transitions between theaters covered by different camera subsystems.

Abstract: A travel information system broadcasts a stream of traffic event information relative to a given road network and a information collecting devices carried in vehicles travelling within the road network each filter among the stream of traffic event information to display only those traffic events relative to a selected travel route of the host vehicle. Each stored travel route is defined by placing the information device in a learn mode to collect a sequence of current vehicle position values during travel along the route. The information device need not include a costly and difficult to maintain large scale database representing the road network. The device thereby constructs and maintains a collection of frequent travel routes specific to the vehicle carrying the device and need not be updated to reflect changes in the road network, but rather allows the user to simply redefine the stored travel routes in light of current road usage and route selection.

Abstract: Movement through multi-dimensional space is simulated using a series of panoramic images which are projected or displayed in sequence. The user's direction of view, that is the selected view window, is maintained as the series of images is projected or displayed. Motion in directions other than forward or reverse is simulated by utilizing “branch” points in the sequence. Each path from a branch point simulates motion in a different direction. Branch points are generally indicated to a viewer by visual indicators called “hot spots”; however, branch points may also be hidden and activated in response to the viewer's selected direction of view. If a branch point is indicated by a visual indicator, a user can select motion in a desired direction by clicking on a “hot spot”. In order to conserve storage space, the image representing each panorama can be stored in a compressed format.

Abstract: A system to provide an operator with a predictively distorted display of a theater of operations. An image of the theater is acquired with a conventional camera and then the acquired image is distorted to take into account environmental factors such as air speed, ground speed, wind speed, height, etc. For example in a simple embodiment of the present invention can be used where a platform such as an airplane is moving over a geographic feature and objects are being dropped from the platform. With the present invention, a geographic feature that is actually directly under the platform is made to appear on a display as if it is behind the platform. The reason for this is that if an object is dropped at a particular instant, it can only impact at positions that at that moment are ahead of the platform. Hence, positions ahead of the platform are made to appear directly under the platform.

Abstract: A surveillance system that includes a number of camera subsystems. Each camera subsystem includes a number of single lens cameras pointing in different directions which simultaneously capture images. Each camera subsystem covers a particular theater of interest. Each single lens camera captures an image of a particular region in a particular theater. When an object of interest is identified, the system can follow the object as it moves between regions and theaters in a facility. When an object is being followed, the system can provide a view of the object as it transitions between regions covered different single lens cameras in a particular camera subsystem and as it transitions between theaters covered by different camera subsystems.

Abstract: An improved surveillance system which includes a multi-lens camera system and a viewer. The camera system includes a plurality of single lens cameras each of which have a relatively wide angle lens. These single lens cameras simultaneously capture images that can be seamed into a panorama. The camera system also includes a high resolution camera (i.e. a camera with a telephoto lens) that can be pointed in a selected direction that is within the field of view of the other cameras. The system displays a view window into the panorama that is created from images captured by the wide angle lenses. The image from the high resolution camera is either superimposed on top of the panoramic image or it is displayed on a separate monitor. If it is displayed in the panorama, the higher solution image is positioned at the point in the panorama which is displaying the same area in space at a lower resolution.

Abstract: An improved surveillance system which includes a multi-lens camera system and a viewer. The camera system includes a plurality of single lens cameras each of which have a relatively wide angle lens. These single lens cameras simultaneously capture images that can be seamed into a panorama. The camera system also includes a high resolution camera (i.e. a camera with a telephoto lens) that can be pointed in a selected direction that is within the field of view of the other cameras. The system displays a view window into the panorama that is created from images captured by the wide angle lenses. The image from the high resolution camera is superimposed on top of the panoramic image. The higher solution image is positioned at the point in the panorama which is displaying the same area in space at a lower resolution. Thus an operator sees a relatively low resolution panorama; however, a selected portion of the panorama is displayed at a high resolution.

Abstract: An improved surveillance system which includes a multi-lens camera system and a viewer. The camera system includes a plurality of single lens cameras each of which have a relatively wide angle lens. These single lens cameras simultaneously capture images that can be seamed into a panorama. The camera system also includes a high resolution camera (i.e. a camera with a telephoto lens) that can be pointed in a selected direction that is within the field of view of the other cameras. The system displays a view window into the panorama that is created from images captured by the wide angle lenses. The image from the high resolution camera is superimposed on top of the panoramic image. The higher solution image is positioned at the point in the panorama which is displaying the same area in space at a lower resolution. Thus an operator sees a relatively low resolution panorama; however, a selected portion of the panorama is displayed at a high resolution.

Abstract: Movement through multi-dimensional space is simulated using a series of panoramic images which are projected or displayed in sequence. The user's direction of view, that is the selected view window, is maintained as the series of images is projected or displayed. Motion in directions other than forward or reverse is simulated by utilizing “branch” points in the sequence. Each path from a branch point simulates motion in a different direction. Branch points are generally indicated to a viewer by visual indicators called “hot spots”; however, branch points may also be hidden and activated in response to the viewer's selected direction of view. If a branch point is indicated by a visual indicator, a user can select motion in a desired direction by clicking on a “hot spot”. In order to conserve storage space, the image representing each panorama can be stored in a compressed format.

Abstract: The present invention provides a very flexible, digital system for capturing and storing panoramic images using progressive scan (that is, non interlaced) technology. The system includes a digital image input device and an associated control computer. Since the image capture device is digital it can be easily and flexibly controlled by software in the control computer. The image input device has six lenses positioned on the six faces of a cube. While the image input system can have other lens configurations, the use of six lenses in a cubic configuration is optimal for a system that is used to capture a spherical panorama. The six lenses simultaneously focuses different images on six CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices). The image input device also includes an embedded controller, and data compression circuitry. The embedded controller controls the exposure time of the CCDs (i.e. the effective aperture and effective shutter speed) and reads image data from the CCDs.

Abstract: Movement through multi-dimensional space is simulated using a series of panoramic images which are projected or displayed in sequence. The user's direction of view, that is the selected view window, is maintained as the series of images is projected or displayed. Motion in directions other than forward or reverse is simulated by utilizing “branch” points in the sequence. Each path from a branch point simulates motion in a different direction. Branch points are generally indicated to a viewer by visual indicators called “hot spots”; however, branch points may also be hidden and activated in response to the viewer's selected direction of view. If a branch point is indicated by a visual indicator, a user can select motion in a desired direction by clicking on a “hot spot”. In order to conserve storage space, the image representing each panorama can be stored in a compressed format.

Abstract: The present invention provides a very flexible, digital system for capturing and storing panoramic images using progressive scan (that is, non interlaced) technology. The system includes a digital image input device and an associated control computer. Since the image capture device is digital it can be easily and flexibly controlled by software in the control computer. The image input device has six lenses positioned on the six faces of a cube. While the image input system can have other lens configurations, the use of six lenses in a cubic configuration is optimal for a system that is used to capture a spherical panorama. The six lenses simultaneously focuses different images on six CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices). The image input device also includes an embedded controller, and data compression circuitry. The embedded controller controls the exposure time of the CCDs (i.e. the effective aperture and effective shutter speed) and reads image data from the CCDs.

Abstract: Backlash in a fishing reel is eliminated by automatically matching the reel discharge speed to the line speed. The drag on the reel is automatically adjusted so that the reel discharge speed does not exceed the line speed. The invention includes a reel, a mechanism for measuring the relationship between the line speed and the reel discharge speed, an electronically controlled braking device and a microprocessor for controlling the braking device in response to the relationship between the line speed and the reel discharge speed. When the reel discharge speed exceeds the line speed additional braking is applied. One alternative embodiment of the invention intermittently applies a very short pulse of braking action to the reel. The response to this pulse of braking action is detected and used to determine if the reel discharge speed exceeds the line speed.

Abstract: A paging device references current ambient sound energy in selecting alarm presentation. In the illustrated embodiment, a low volume alarm presentation occurs in relatively quiet ambient sound conditions and a high volume alarm presentation occurs in relatively loud ambient sound conditions. Multiple levels of ambient sound energy cause a selected one of multiple potential alarm volumes. By making alarm volume presentation a function of ambient sound conditions, the paging alarm of the present invention better matches current conditions to improve the user's ability to hear the alarm and to reduce the risk of annoying others.

Abstract: A conventional fish attracting device (i.e. a conventional lure or bait) is attached to a submersible unit. The submersible unit is attached to an electronic unit on a fishing rod by means of an optical cable. The submersible unit measures the amount of tension exerted by the fish attracting device (including the tension exerted by a fish pulling on the fish attracting device). The submersible unit also detects the aquatic conditions in the vicinity of the fish attracting device. The submersible unit transmits the tension exerted by the fish attracting device and the aquatic conditions to the unit on the fishing rod. The unit on the fishing rod determines if the tension exerted by the fish attracting device indicates that a "strike" has occurred and if the tension is nearing the tensile strength of the line. When a strike occurs the aquatic conditions are recorded along with the position of the strike. When the tension on the line nears the tensile strength of the fishing line (i.e.

Abstract: A one-way individual or group addressable communication link by paging system protocol delivers to a small data terminal of an entertainment or education device command messages relevant to current real world information such as news or weather information, and also relevant to current television series storylines. The device provides a separate and independent mechanism augmenting educational or entertainment aspects of current events or television programming without requiring an expensive user interface mechanism in implementation of complex and robust control and configuration features.