Method and apparatus for electronically distributing motion panoramic images

摘要

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.