Panoramic digital camera system

Abstract

Method and apparatus for recording images at a scene in a panoramic manner enabling subsequent reproduction at remote display devices, and particularly enabling selection of a particular viewing angle at each display device without interfering with selection of viewing angles at other display devices. A stationary camera is operated at the scene being recorded, with a rapidly rotating mirror directing optical images successively from a three hundred sixty degree pattern about the axis of the lens of the stationary camera. Rotational speed is selected such that images are captured at frequencies assuring that reproduction of the images will yield continuous, smooth moving images from one selected viewing angle. The optical images are directed into the camera and then rendered into digital form and entered into memory. Shutter speed or rate and timing of data conversion or entry into memory is controlled to assure capture of optical images repeatedly from several predetermined different viewing angles, as recorded at the camera. Data entered into memory is subsequently transmitted for reproduction at a plurality of remotely located display devices such as CRTs. The operator of each CRT can control his or her CRT to display aspects of images, such as selecting one of the viewing angles, zooming, and changing viewing angles, independently of images displayed at other CRTs.