A device for omnidirectional image viewing providing pan-and-tilt orientation, rotation, and magnification within a hemispherical field-of-view that utilizes no moving parts. The imaging device is based on the effect that the image from a fisheye lens (1), which produces a circular image of an entire hemispherical field-of-view, which can be mathematically corrected using high speed electronic circuitry (5, 6, 7, 12 and 13). More specifically, an incoming fisheye image from any image acquisition source (2) is captured in memory (4) of the device, a transformation is performed for the viewing region of interest and viewing direction, and a corrected image is output as a video image signal for viewing, recording, or analysis. As a result, this device can be accomplish the functions of pan, tilt, rotation, and zoom throughout a hemispherical field-of-view without the need for any mechanical mechanisms. The preferred embodiment of the image transformation device can provide corrected images at real-time rates, compatible with standard video equipment. The device can be used for any application where a conventional pan-and-tilt or orientation mechanism might be considered including inspection, monitoring, surveillance, and target acquisition.

/pdf/omniview-motionless-camera-orientation-system-4pvpe3q214.pdf

Omniview motionless camera orientation system

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 the panoramic images frames may be a motion panoramic image playback device or a motion panoramic camera system (405). The motion panoramic image server (400) transforms the panoramic image frames into an intermediate format that is more conducive for electronic transmission (417). The motion panoramic image server (400) then transmits the motion panoramic images to client systems (495, 497). A first transmission system divides the intermediate planar representation into individual tiles (441, 445) and transmits tiles that are requested by clients systems (440, 443). A second panoramic image transmission system divides the intermediate planar representation into individual tiles on different multicast channels. Client systems (495, 497) then subscribe to the multicast channels needed to render an image in the direction of a desired view.

Method and apparatus for electronically distributing motion panoramic images

A premium “fuel-grade” petroleum coke is produced by modifying petroleum coking technology. Coking process parameters are controlled to consistently produce petroleum coke within a predetermined range for volatile combustible material (VCM) content. The invention includes a process of producing a coke fuel, the method comprising steps: (a) obtaining a coke precursor material derived from crude oil and having a volatile organic component; and (b) subjecting the coke precursor material to a thermal cracking process for sufficient time and at sufficient temperature and under sufficient pressure so as to produce a coke product having volatile combustible materials (VCMs) present in an amount in the range of from about 13% to about 50% by weight. Most preferably, the volatile combustible materials in the coke product typically may be in the range of from about 15% to about 30% by weight. The present invention also provides methods for (1) altering the coke crystalline structure, (2) improving the quality of the coke VCM, and (3) reducing the concentration of coke contaminants. Fuels made from the inventive coke product and methods of producing energy through the combustion of such fuels are also included. Finally, novel environmental control techniques are developed to take optimal advantage of the unique characteristics of this upgraded petroleum coke.

Production and use of a premium fuel grade petroleum coke

A display system which can be used inside a vehicle such as a military tank to monitor at least part of the surrounding panorama. The display system has a display generator and an optical system for viewing the display. Electronic means are provided to predistort the display to compensate for distortion present in the optical system. The system includes individual display units mounted side-by-side, each having a respective television camera associated therewith so that a substantially continuous picture of at least part of the surrounding panorama can be reconstructed and viewed by an observer without any apparent mismatch between adjacent displays.

Display system having wide field of view

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.

System for omnidirectional image viewing at a remote location without the transmission of control signals to select viewing parameters

A method and apparatus are described for improving the geometric fidelity of images reproduced in a charged particle beam device. The beam is deflected across a sensitive medium to form a test image of predetermined configuration. The test image is compared with a reference image and geometric deviations measured, at a number of points, are used to calculate correction signals required to modify the beam deflection to offset the deviations. Circuit adjustments are then made to provide the calculated correction signals. The correction signal adjustments are accomplished in separate non-interactive circuits for each of a plurality of predetermined corrections which only require a one time adjustment.

Brian G. Anderson

Papers

Method and apparatus for correcting image distortions

Image strain correcting method and device

Improved method and apparatus for correcting image distortions