Abstract: An improved theater geometry which is capable of providing improved image resolution and improved image contrast over prior systems is achieved with a unique projection geometry and image re-mapping technique. The projected image is provided with a continuously variable image resolution and brightness over the surface of a preferably dome-shaped screen which is to receive the image, concentrating the resolution and the brightness of the image within the central field-of-view of viewers that are unidirectionally seated in the theater, and sacrificing resolution and brightness toward the outside edges of the viewers' field-of-view. The result is a more efficient use of available projector resolution and brightness, an increase in the number of quality seats available in the theater, and an enhanced image contrast due to reductions in the light which is scattering from image elements to the rear of the screen.

Abstract: An aircraft collision avoidance system utilizing video signals of the air space surrounding the aircraft for determining whether an object, such as another aircraft, is too close. Use is made of various types of monitors to display the on coming object and its location relative to the protected aircraft. An audio alarm is provided for alerting the pilot of the danger as well as providing localization information. Video recordings store information for accident and near miss studies. The video signals can also be used for the entertainment of airline passengers. One preferred embodiment of the invention permits ground based experts to point out interesting objects that are visible due to the improved view provided passengers.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes an image input unit (100) for inputting an image, a detection unit (200) for detecting a state of movement of the image input unit (100) in an image input operation, a storage unit (310, 9000) for storing a plurality of images input by the image input unit (100) and movement information corresponding to the state of movement detected by the detection unit (200), and an image generating unit (320) for generating an image from an arbitrary viewpoint position on the basis of the plurality of images and the movement information stored in the storage unit.

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: A live camera whose image pickup direction is remote-controlled is utilized, and a plurality of frames picked up in different pickup directions are composed so as to generate a composite image, and this is stored in a memory. Upon request from the user for altering the pickup direction, in the composite image within the memory, an extraction area is shifted in the horizontal direction and vertical direction in response to the request for alteration in a manner so as to correspond to a pickup image in the live camera, and the image within the extracted area is transmitted to the user. This arrangement eliminates the necessity of altering the pickup direction of the live camera mechanically, and independent of the mechanical alteration, only the electrical image processing of the composite image is carried out, with the result that the user is allowed to feel as if he or she were actually operating the live camera.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing special effects for wide-angle video images. The special effects include replacing a selected portion of a wide-angle video image with a predetermined image or an associated portion of a video image captured in a subsequent frame. Other special effects include image intensity scaling for wide-angle video images.

Abstract: A method in a digital camera for image capturing at least two perspective images at a constant focal length from the digital camera, where both images share a common edge portion. The method including: recording a first image from a first perspective; displaying a preview of a second image from a second perspective; simultaneously with displaying the preview, presenting an overlapping edge region of the first image to allow alignment of the first image with the preview of the second image; and correcting the perspective of at least one image in an overlapping edge region. In an alternate embodiment, a digital camera and computer readable medium corresponding to the above method is described.

Abstract: A system and method that provides satellite television users with a simple interface in which to choose from a variety of video images representing a different camera angle at a given event. The invention comprises a plurality of cameras positioned at a certain event, such as a sporting event. The video images from the cameras are broadcast to one or more satellites, which downlink the images to a central broadcast center. At the central broadcast center, information relating to the event is bundled with the video images and re-broadcast to a second set of satellites. The information and video images are then downlinked to multiple users situated within the satellite's footprint, to be viewed on their televisions.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that allows a number of 3D volumetric display or output configurations, such as dome, cubical and cylindrical volumetric displays, to interact with a number of different input configurations, such as a three-dimensional position sensing system having a volume sensing field, a planar position sensing system having a digitizing tablet, and a non-planar position sensing system having a sensing grid formed on a dome. The user interacts via the input configurations, such as by moving a digitizing stylus on the sensing grid formed on the dome enclosure surface. This interaction affects the content of the volumetric display by mapping positions and corresponding vectors of the stylus to a moving cursor within the 3D display space of the volumetric display that is offset from a tip of the stylus along the vector.

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: A method for estimating the motion between a first image and a second image in a system for creating a panoramic image from a plurality of images taken by a camera, the method comprising the steps of: downsampling a first image in a first direction and in a second direction; downsampling a second image in a first direction and in a second direction; filtering the first and the second image so as to filter out any global illumination changes between the first image and the second image; calculating a first displacement along the first direction between the first downsampled image along the first direction and the second downsampled image along the first direction; and calculating a second displacement along the second direction between the first downsampled image along the second direction and the second downsampled image along the second direction. In an alternate embodiment, a device and computer readable medium corresponding to the above method is described.

Abstract: An arrangement of a panoramic video is obtained by applying navigation commands to said panoramic video. In accordance with the invention, the navigation commands are formed either by navigation commands given at will by the user, or by predefined navigation commands associated with said panoramic video. The choice of the type of navigation command used at a given instant is controlled either automatically or by the user. The invention thus permits to avoid a user losing the thread of the action when navigates freely through a panoramic video.

Abstract: High resolution composite images and ultra wide composite images are produced in a digital camera which combines a plurality of images to form a composite image on a single sheet. An image sensing unit includes a movable image sensing optical unit having a first and second focal lengths and a two-dimensional image sensing device. The image sensing unit is driven to control the optical axis of the image sensing optical unit so as to capture a plurality of images via the two-dimensional image sensing device. The plurality of images are combined to produce a composite image. An ultra wide composite image at standard resolution is produced by setting the focal length of the image sensing optical unit at a first focal length on the wide angle side, and a high resolution composite image is produced by setting the focal length of the image sensing optical unit at a second focal length on the telephoto side.

Abstract: An improved visual user interface enables control of the interaction of a device with a spatial region. The visual user interface includes a display of a control space and a display of a target space. The content of the displayed target space can be a representation of some or all of the spatial region. The content of the displayed control space and displayed target space can also be established such that the displayed target space provides context for the displayed control space. The device is operated in accordance with the state of the displayed control space. The visual user interface enables a user to change the display of the control space, thereby controlling the operation of the device.

Abstract: A pan head includes a swinging member capable of swinging about a swing axis; a first moving member mounted on the swinging member and capable of slidingly moving along the swing axis; and a seat capable of turning about an axis perpendicular to the swing axis, as a turning axis. Herein, the sliding movement of the first moving member is converted into a turning movement of the seat. The swinging member and first moving member are each driven by a voice coil motor (VCM).

Abstract: Most camera systems only record an image from a limited viewing angle. A new panoramic camera apparatus is disclosed that instantaneously captures a 360 degree panoramic image. In the camera device, virtually all of the light that converges on a point in space is captured. Specifically, in the camera of the present invention, light striking this point in space is captured if it comes from any direction, 360 degrees around the point and from angles 50 degrees or more above and below the horizon. The panoramic image is recorded as a two dimensional annular image. Furthermore, various different systems for displaying the panoramic images and distributing the panoramic images. Specifically, methods and apparatus for digitally performing a geometric transformation of the two dimensional annular image into rectangular projections such that the panoramic image can be displayed using conventional methods such as printed images and televised images.

Abstract: There is provided a channel selection method for a digital television, through which a current channel can be easily changed into a channel belonging to the same category as the current channel belongs to. The channel selection method includes (a) generating a channel selection command in response to a user's operation; (b) displaying information about channels, on which programs belonging to the same category as a current channel are broadcasted, on a television screen in response to the channel selection command; (c) selecting a desired channel referring to the information about the channels; and (d) displaying a program which is broadcasted on the selected channel.

Abstract: Most camera systems only record an image from a limited viewing angle. A new panoramic camera apparatus is disclosed that instantaneously captures a 360 degree panoramic image. In the camera device, virtually all of the light that converges on a point in space is captured. Specifically, in the camera of the present invention, light striking this point in space is captured if it comes from any direction, 360 degrees around the point and from angles 50 degrees or more above and below the horizon. The panoramic image is recorded as a two dimensional annular image. Furthermore, various different systems for displaying the panoramic images and distributing the panoramic images. Specifically, methods and apparatus for digitally performing a geometric transformation of the two dimensional annular image into rectangular projections such that the panoramic image can be displayed using conventional methods such as printed images and televised images.

Abstract: A tactical display unit having a set of abutting viewing screens with each of the viewing screens located at an angle of at least 60 degrees to each other and each having an identical image thereon with the screens positioned either above or below a lateral head region of the viewers to create a communications zone where each of the viewers can both visually and orally communicate with one another even if viewers are on the opposite side of the viewing screens.

Abstract: A surveillance system uses an image from an omni-directional camera to identify objects or events of interest on which a higher-resolution camera can be trained.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing a stored panoramic digital image includes a panoramic digital imager adapted to capture a predetermined panoramic digital image of a scene and a storage arrangement coupled to the panoramic digital imaging apparatus for storing a panoramic digital image. A display is coupled to the storage apparatus for displaying the stored panoramic digital image; and the apparatus receives a camera having photographic film including an optic for focusing the panoramic image on the display onto silver halide film in the camera.

Abstract: An electronic image distribution apparatus for distributing panoramic images is disclosed. The central feature of the system is a panoramic image server coupled to a source of panoramic image information. The source of panoramic image frames may be a panoramic image storage device or a panoramic camera system. The panoramic image server converts the panoramic image frames into a format that is more conducive for electronic transmission. Specifically, the panoramic image server extracts a subset of each panoramic image frame and compresses that subset of the panoramic image. The panoramic image server may also geometrically transform the subset of the panoramic image frame. The compressed subset of a panoramic image frame is transmitted across a transmission medium to a client system. The client system decompresses the subset of panoramic image frame and displays the subset of the panoramic image frame.

Abstract: There is the possibility that the operator misunderstands as if an abnormality has occurred in an apparatus, depending on the state of reception of an image changing in accordance with situation. This problem is solved by providing a reception unit for receiving images generated from a plurality of communication terminals, an output unit for outputting the images received by the reception unit in order to dipslay the images on a display unit as multiple images, and a notification unit for grasping and notifying a state of reception of the images by the reception unit.

Abstract: A telepresence system for providing a first user with a first display of an environment and simultaneously and independently providing a second user with a second display of the environment. In certain embodiments, the system includes a plurality of arrays of cameras, with each arrays are situated at varying lengths from the environment. In one embodiment, the cameras situated around the environment are removed after the cameras in the array are have transmitted the camera output to an associated storage node. A first user interface device has first user inputs associated with movement along a first path in the array, and a second user interface device has second user inputs associated with movement along a second path.

Abstract: Most camera systems only record an image from a limited viewing angle. A new panoramic camera apparatus is disclosed that instantaneously captures a 360 degree panoramic image. In the camera device, virtually all of the light that converges on a point in space is captured. Specifically, in the camera of the present invention, light striking this point in space is captured if it comes from any direction, 360 degrees around the point and from angles 50 degrees or more above and below the horizon. The panoramic image is recorded as a two dimensional annular image. Furthermore, various different systems for displaying the panoramic images and distributing the panoramic images. Specifically, methods and apparatus for digitally performing a geometric transformation of the two dimensional annular image into rectangular projections such that the panoramic image can be displayed using conventional methods such as printed images and televised images.

Abstract: There are provided a photo-taking apparatus which sets performing a plurality of correlated photo-taking operations and prevents setting of an image-stabilizing function from being changed during the plurality of correlated photo-taking operations, a control method adapted for the photo-taking apparatus, and a computer program product supplying a control program adapted for the photo-taking apparatus.

Abstract: Channel lineup information in a television system is efficiently managed with an internal electronic program guide manager (IEM). The IEM creates and maintains an internal electronic program guide (EPG) information database for a user program preference determination engine (PDE), which is resident in a STB, DTV or PVR. The internal EPG data are for use by software agents of the PDE only. The external EPG is used for graphical user interface display. The IEM provides other software agents with various control interfaces to enable extraction of the program information from the IE database, for maintenance and to update changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to building spherical panoramas for image-based virtual reality systems. The image-based spherical panoramas can be navigated in any desired view direction (360-degrees) by suitable three-dimensional image browsers or viewers. The method and system also includes computing the number of photographs required to be taken and the azimuth angle of the center point of each photograph for building a spherical environment map representative of the spherical panorama. The method and system also includes an algorithm for computing the accurate azimuth angles of these taken photographs and seaming them together to build the spherical environment map.

Abstract: An apparatus for the generation of a full-spectrum stereoscopic display. The system uses a flat, masking screen comprised of a plurality of regularly spaced, vertical apertures arranged in front of, parallel, and in a geometric relation to a flat, image display screen. The image has two viewpoints (one right-eye and one left-eye) interlaced by alternate vertical rows of pixels. The system creates a full-spectrum stereoscopic display when the image is viewed with proper geometric alignment by a viewer through the vertical apertures of the masking screen, which effectively separates the alternating left-eye/right-eye viewpoint vertical rows of pixels in such a manner as to allow the right eye to only see the right-eye viewpoint and the left eye to only see the left-eye viewpoint. A holographic display can be achieved by using five cameras, which allow a viewer to “see” and image from different angles.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises an image-data collection station (1) having a platform (2) which is rotatable about an azimuthal axis. Several image sensors (3) are mounted on and rotate with the platform (2). A static monitoring station (7) includes a computerized sensor control system (10) for selectably and independently turning the sensors (3) ON and OFF during the rotation of the platform (2). Station (7) additionally monitors the data output from the sensors (3) and delivers a visible output at a VDU (8).

Abstract: A digital wide camera is capable of forming, in real time, a wide view still image from a dynamic sequence of images generated during a recording operation by panning the camera to capture a scene. The camera shoots each frame of the sequence with a certain angular field of view at 30 frames per second, for example. The wide view still image has an apparent field of angular view that is greater than that of the image of each frame. The images of the sequence are connected together by determining a shift in position between adjacent images and then overwriting each image to a wide view image buffer after shifting the image by the shift amount. Determining the shift amounts and overwriting the image buffer is accomplished in less time than the interval between shooting consecutive images so that the display of the wide view image can be updated in real time for a user's observation.

Abstract: This patent discloses an electronic image distribution apparatus for distributing motion panoramic images. The main portion of the apparatus is a motion panoramic image server that has a source of motion panoramic images. The source of panoramic image frames may be a motion panoramic image playback device or a connection to a motion panoramic camera system. The motion panoramic image server transforms the panoramic image frames into an intermediate format that is more conducive for electronic transmission. In particular, portions of the panoramic image are encoded at a higher quality as compared to other portions of the panoramic image. A client computer obtains information about the encoding and subscribes to one or more tiles depending on the viewpoint of interest. The client computer receives and presents the data in these tiles. In addition, the patent discloses how to adjust the subscription based on the actual and/or predicted pan operations to obtain a quality presentation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a still image of an object using an image pickup element, which captures an image as a plurality of pixels. The method includes calculating relative displacement amounts between positions of the object on a plurality of frame images taken by the image pickup element, producing a synthesized still image of the object as an image containing an amount of information N times as large as that of each of the frame images using the relative displacement amounts to shift and overlay the plurality of frame images, and carrying out an interpolation processing so that intervals between adjacent pixels distributed on said synthesized still image are substantially the same, by a Fourier series expansion of a distribution state of pixels on said synthesized still image.

Abstract: The images of an object taken at a plurality of viewpoint positions are input together with information indicating the plurality of viewpoint positions, and the viewpoint position of an observer is detected. One of the input images is selected on the basis of the detected viewpoint position of the observer, and the scan line of the image is determined in accordance with the viewpoint position of the observer and the viewpoint position upon taking the selected image, thereby generating an image from the viewpoint position of the observer. In this manner, distortion of the image to be generated is suppressed. On the other hand, input multi-viewpoint images are converted into light rays that travel in a space, and each light ray is stored in a light space corresponding to a plane, which is one of a plurality of radially arranged reference planes and has an angle the plane makes with the light ray, which angle is closest to right angles.

Abstract: Most camera systems only record an image from a limited viewing angle. A new panoramic camera apparatus is disclosed that instantaneously captures a 360 degree panoramic image. In the camera device, virtually all of the light that converges on a point in space is captured. Specifically, in the camera of the present invention, light striking this point in space is captured if it comes from any direction, 360 degrees around the point and from angles 50 degrees or more above and below the horizon. The panoramic image is recorded as a two dimensional annular image. Furthermore, various different systems for displaying the panoramic images and distributing the panoramic images. Specifically, methods and apparatus for digitally performing a geometric transformation of the two dimensional annular image into rectangular projections such that the panoramic image can be displayed using conventional methods such as printed images and televised images.

Abstract: Most camera systems only record an image from a limited viewing angle. A new panoramic camera apparatus is disclosed that instantaneously captures a 360 degree panoramic image. In the camera device, virtually all of the light that converges on a point in space is captured. Specifically, in the camera of the present invention, light striking this point in space is captured if it comes from any direction, 360 degrees around the point and from angles 50 degrees or more above and below the horizon. The panoramic image is recorded as a two dimensional annular image. Furthermore, various different systems for displaying the panoramic images and distributing the panoramic images. Specifically, methods and apparatus for digitally performing a geometric transformation of the two dimensional annular image into rectangular projections such that the panoramic image can be displayed using conventional methods such as printed images and televised images.

Abstract: In a hand-held display device for use with an electronic device to display a complete or a determined part of a screen image, there are included control circuits, a display screen and control buttons connected to said control circuits. Further, a gyroscope is incorporated in said display device and connected to said control circuits, whereby said display device is responsive to movements in the space for displaying said screen image in different magnification, and/or in different parts. A fixed pointer is arranged on the display screen for controlling applications show on eh display screen.

Abstract: A technique for tracking objects through a series of images is disclosed. In one embodiment, the technique is realized by obtaining at least first and second representations of a plurality of pixels, wherein at least one grouping of substantially adjacent pixels has been identified in each of the first and second representations. Each identified grouping of substantially adjacent pixels in the first representation is then matched with an identified grouping of substantially adjacent pixels in the second representation.

Abstract: An omnidirectional camera device is able to restrict a range in which images of objects are picked up. This omnidirectional camera device comprises a rotationally-symmetric convex mirror (24) fixedly attached to one end of a transparent tube assembly (20), an image pickup means (32) disposed on the other end of the tube assembly in an opposing relation to this convex mirror and a cover assembly (60) disposed on the tube assembly for restricting the range in which light becomes incident on the convex mirror. The cover assembly is mounted on one end side of the tube assembly. The cover assembly is a shielding cover assembly and includes a cover member (60B). The cover assembly is attached to the tube assembly so as to become freely rotatable. The direction and the range in which images of objects should be picked up may be adjusted by the attachment position of the cover assembly and a shielding angle &agr; of the cover assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic image distribution apparatus for distributing motion panoramic images. The main portion of the apparatus is a motion panoramic image server that has a source of motion panoramic images. The source of panoramic image frames may be a motion panoramic image playback device or a connection to a motion panoramic camera system. The motion panoramic image server transforms the panoramic image frames into an intermediate format that is more conducive for electronic transmission. The motion panoramic image server then transmits the motion panoramic images to client systems. A first panoramic image transmission system divides the intermediate planar representation into individual tiles and transmits tiles that are requested by client systems. A second panoramic image transmission system divides the intermediate planar representation into individual tiles and transmits the individual tiles on different multicast channels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic image distribution apparatus for distributing motion panoramic images. The main portion of the apparatus is a motion panoramic image server that has a source of motion panoramic images. The source of panoramic image frames may be a motion panoramic image playback device or a connection to a motion panoramic camera system. The motion panoramic image server transforms the panoramic image frames into an intermediate format that is more conducive for electronic transmission. The motion panoramic image server then transmits the motion panoramic images to client systems. A first panoramic image transmission system divides the intermediate planar representation into individual tiles and transmits tiles that are requested by client systems. A second panoramic image transmission system divides the intermediate planar representation into individual tiles and transmits the individual tiles on different multicast channels.

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: An image generating system and information storage medium which can generate an image preferable for the game play while causing a virtual camera to follow a displayed object. While the virtual camera follows a player's game character, the viewpoint and line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera are changed so that the player's game character and ball can be displayed without hiding each other even if the distance D between the player's game character and the ball is changed. Depending on the distance D, the viewpoint, twist angle and pan angle of the virtual camera are changed. If the distance D is smaller than a given value Dth, the ball is displayed so that it can be seen through an open space of the player's game character. The change of the line-of-sight direction is limited to a given range. The player's game character and ball are always projected onto a screen below and above the gazing point, respectively.

Abstract: At each of n shooting (or capturing) points, a natural scene is captured for a period of time tS(N), where N=1 to n, using one or more video cameras held at rest, and it is then converted into each of a plurality of stationary-viewpoint images. Furthermore, on the way from the (N−1)th shooting point to the Nth (N=2 to n) shooting point, a natural scene is captured for a period of time tM(N), where N=2 to n, using the video cameras being moved and it is then converted into each of a plurality of moving-viewpoint images. In order to provide a virtual reality environment for a user, the plurality of stationary-viewpoint images and the plurality of moving-viewpoint images are reproduced in turn according to user's movements detected.

Abstract: Most camera systems only record an image from a limited viewing angle. A new panoramic camera apparatus is disclosed that instantaneously captures a 360 degree panoramic image. In the camera device, virtually all of the light that converges on a point in space is captured. Specifically, in the camera of the present invention, light striking this point in space is captured if it comes from any direction, 360 degrees around the point and from angles 50 degrees or more above and below the horizon. The panoramic image is recorded as a two dimensional annular image. Furthermore, various different systems for displaying the panoramic images and distributing the panoramic images. Specifically, methods and apparatus for digitally performing a geometric transformation of the two dimensional annular image into rectangular projections such that the panoramic image can be displayed using conventional methods such as printed images and televised images.

Abstract: A reflective rotund lens is positioned for projecting a panoramic picture of its horizontal surroundings at a given elevation onto a CCD array, for converting the picture into “pixel form” or an image signal. The image signal is digitized via an A/D converter circuit. A digital signal processor system is programmed for extracting a strip of pixel locations representative of an image ring mapped to pixel locations via superimposition upon the image, whereby all pixel locations outside of the image ring are eliminated by passing the pixels thereof through said A/D converter circuit at a rate higher than the conversion rate of said A/D converter circuit.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method combines related source images, each represented by a set of digital data, by determining three-dimensional relationships between data sets representing related source images and creating a data set representing an output image by combining the data sets representing the source images in accordance with the determined three-dimensional relationships.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus detects corresponding pixels in object images picked up from a plurality of viewpoints and interpolates object images which are supposed to be seen from viewpoints other than the plurality of viewpoints on the basis of the detected corresponding pixels.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a panoramic imaging arrangement comprising a transparent component and a reflective material. The transparent component has a first surface about a vertical axis of revolution, a second surface about the axis of revolution, and an opening formed therein to define a third, internal surface about the axis of revolution. The third surface has a concave profile in a plane of the axis of revolution. The reflective material is located on the second surface to provide a reflective surface against the second surface. The first surface, the reflective surface and the third surface are positioned relative to one another so that light from a 360° surrounding panoramic scene enters the transparent component through the first surface, whereafter the light is reflected from the reflective surface, whereafter the light exits the transparent component through the third surface.

Abstract: An electronic image distribution apparatus for distributing panoramic images is disclosed. The central feature of the system is a panoramic image server coupled to a source of panoramic image information. The source of panoramic image frames may be a panoramic image storage device or a panoramic camera system. The panoramic image server converts the panoramic image frames into a format that is more conducive for electronic transmission. Specifically, the panoramic image server extracts a subset of each panoramic image frame and compresses that subset of the panoramic image. The panoramic image server may also geometrically transform the subset of the panoramic image frame. The compressed subset of a panoramic image frame is transmitted across a transmission medium to a client system. The client system decompresses the subset of panoramic image frame and displays the subset of the panoramic image frame.