Abstract:
Disclosed is an apparatus and a process for producing and viewing through the internet high-resolution images of the commonly viewed exterior surfaces of a vehicle, while maintaining the same background view for multiple images of the vehicle. The background and the imaging device are revolved around a vehicle which is maintained in fixed position between the background and the imaging device. There can be two or more opposed imaging devices and two or more opposed displays. The vehicle does not need to be rotated or moved during the imaging.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a CIP of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/044,215, filed Mar. 9, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/311875, filed Mar. 9, 2010. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to production and viewing, through the Internet and without image downloading or high band-width requirements, of high-resolution images of the commonly viewed exterior surfaces of a vehicle, while maintaining the same background view for multiple images of the vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the used car market, views of the exterior of the car (but not usually the underside) are typically required by and provided to the buyer before consummating a transaction. High resolution images showing small flaws and damage to the vehicle are preferred. One method of making these images is to rotate the vehicle on a turntable and create a series of images against a consistent background. The images can be displayed and viewed in a manner to generate a virtual 360 degree tour of the vehicle. 
     The two problems with this approach are that a turntable for a vehicle is a heavy, expensive and complex piece of equipment, and that high resolution images require long delays to download—or cannot be downloaded and viewed by a potential vehicle purchaser without considerable bandwidth. An additional problem is that the uppermost side of a vehicle is often not shown unless a robot for moving the imaging device is used. See FSI Viewer (Neptunelabs Gmbh). These known methods are expensive and have serious disadvantages for performing the imaging of a vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first aspect, the invention is a process of producing and viewing through the internet high-resolution images of the commonly viewed exterior surfaces of a vehicle, while maintaining the same background view for the images. The images are stored on a server accessible through the internet, and can be selectively zoomed and viewed through the internet, so that less bandwidth is required than if the entirety of all the high-resolution images was accessible for each isolated view through the internet. 
     This process involves producing multiple images of a vehicle (still frame or video) by revolution of both an imaging device and a display around a vehicle which is in a fixed position between them, such that as the imaging device captures multiple images of the vehicle, the display is also captured in each of said images. The images are sufficiently pixilated such that even minor damage to the vehicle exterior surface can be viewed by zooming in when the images are displayed. Normal views of the images may not allow viewing of minor damage, so as to avoid requirements for large data streams. The images are uploaded to a server and can be viewed remotely through the internet, without downloading of the images. 
     Another aspect of the invention is an apparatus for producing images of the commonly viewed exterior surfaces of a vehicle, while maintaining the same background view for multiple images of the vehicle. The apparatus includes an imaging device (producing still frame or video) and a display wherein the imaging device can be revolved around a vehicle which is in a fixed position between them. The imaging device and the display revolve around the vehicle in the same direction and at the same rate such that as the imaging device captures multiple images of the vehicle, the display is captured in each of said multiple images. The imaging device and the display are preferably wheeled and can be linked to ensure coordinated revolution, or otherwise timed to coordinate their movement and maintain their relative positions. 
     The degree of arc followed by the display and the imaging device can be adjustable—for example, by using wheels which rotate on a vertical axis to control direction—or by using fixed wheels set to generate a particular arc for the display and the dolly or carrier rack which transport the imaging device. The display and the dolly or carrier rack themselves can also be arced like the chassis on which they rest, and can be composed of multiple sections, for easy transport. The dolly or carrier rack for the imaging device can also carry other components including lighting (projecting towards the vehicle), a computer (to upload images), a seat for an operator, a drive motor to power the revolution, a power source, an adjustable holder for the imaging device (which may extend upwardly to allow capturing images of the uppermost side of the vehicle), and other components, e.g., a timer, digital compass or a travel sensor to control when images are captured. 
     In another aspect, the invention includes use of two background displays and two imaging devices, one opposed to each background display. Preferably, each imaging device is mounted on the same support as the background display. This arrangement is designed to provide faster imaging of the vehicle—the images of all sides of the vehicle are completed in ½ a revolution of the backgrounds and imaging devices around the vehicle. 
     In another aspect, the invention includes use of a flexible enclosure (preferably around all sides and the top, but with an opening for a vehicle to enter) where the interior of the enclosure can include a background display (instead of the background display being on a support). This enclosure can be used with one or more imaging devices. 
     In a related embodiment using a flexible enclosure, a flexible enclosure can encompass the outside of the supports for the imaging device(s) and the display(s), and cover the otherwise open space above the area between the supports (like a tent over the entire support structures). At least one opening in the flexible enclosure is needed for entry and exit of the vehicle. 
     Other aspects of the invention are shown in the drawings and described in the Detailed Description below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a flow diagram showing the capture and viewing of vehicle images as described herein over the internet from a server, without downloading required for viewing. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a vehicle with an arced display carrier and an arced carrier for the imaging device and the lighting. 
         FIG. 3  is an elevational view of a vehicle with the display behind it. 
         FIG. 3A  is an elevational view depicting a transparent display with the truck behind it, and a screen on the upper portion of the display. 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational view of a vehicle with the arced carrier of  FIG. 2  behind it. 
         FIG. 5  is an elevational view of a display carrier with wheel direction adjustable to direct the display carrier through different arcs. 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of the display carrier of  FIG. 5 , showing the support for the display and the direction adjustment for the wheels. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of the view of the wheels and axle of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of a motorized wheeled dolly (where the wheels control direction) for carrying an operator, an imaging device (on a tripod), a computer, lighting and other components. 
         FIG. 8  is an elevational view of the chassis and wheels of the dolly of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is an elevational view of an arm with an imaging device attached. 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of a vehicle with two arced display carriers, each including lighting and an imaging device, and where the carriers travel on a track. 
         FIG. 11  shows arm  36  connected with a hinge to a display section. 
         FIG. 12  shows arm  36  removably connected to a display section. 
         FIG. 13  shows a flexible enclosure for the imaging system. 
         FIG. 14  depicts a background display on the interior of the wall portion of the flexible enclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a flow diagram depicting the capture and display of high-resolution images of a vehicle through the internet, where the images have the same background. The image files can be automatically uploaded to a server, after capture, and are retained on the server. Select images and select portions of the high-resolution images can be viewed on the internet, so as not to require excessive bandwidth for viewing, or image downloading from the server to the viewer&#39;s computer. FSI Viewer (Neptunelabs Gmbh) provides this type of capture and image display over the internet. Portions of particular images can be selectively zoomed to display them, so that the entirety of all portions of all images is not streamed at the same instant. Other programs to accomplish these ends may also be used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , an arm  100  is shown arcing above a vehicle  10 , where arm  100  has an imaging device  102  positioned to capture images of the uppermost surface of the vehicle. Device  102  can slide along arm  100  to also capture images of the sides of vehicle  10 , or device  102  can be fixed to only capture the uppermost vehicle surface, and a separate imaging device (device  33  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) can capture the sides of vehicle  10 . Device  102  can also be fixed elsewhere (such as to a beam joining carriers  20  and  30 ) to allow viewing the uppermost part of vehicle  10 . The use of device  102  in this manner allows one to generate a simulated three-dimensional view of the vehicle  10 , which can be rotated through at least one axis during viewing to show different portions of the exterior surface of the vehicle. 
     It is possible to view the images directly from the imaging device or from the server, or by downloading the images to a viewer&#39;s computer. For wide access for many viewers to the images, and minimizing bandwidth requirements, the arrangement in  FIG. 1  is preferred. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 to 4 , a vehicle  10  is centered between a background display carrier  20  and a carrier  30 . Carrier  30  includes an imaging device  33  and lighting  34 . Lighting  34  can be strobe lighting coordinated to be on when each image is captured by device  33 , or other lighting. The capture of images can be timed or otherwise controlled to create a series of images showing the entire surface. Another method of controlling image capture is using a digital compass or a travel sensor associated with the carrier  20  or  30 , and thereby controlling image capture as the carriers  20  and  30  move a predetermined amount. 
     Both carriers  20  and  30  consist of several separate sections ( 21   a - 21   g  and  31   a - 31   e , respectively). Having multiple sections makes carriers  20  and  30  more convenient to transport or store, following breaking them down into the sections. More or fewer sections for carriers  20  and  30 , or no sections, are also feasible. Each of the sections  21   a - 21   g  are equipped with two pairs of wheels  22 , on an axle  24 , and each of the sections  31   a - 31   e  are equipped with two pairs of wheels  32 , on an axle  34 . 
     The wheels  22  and  32  could also ride on a track instead of residing on a surface. Instead of a pair of wheels on an axle, one could substitute a single wheel, either riding on a track or residing on the same surface as the vehicle resides on. A track  140  for accommodating the wheels of a combination carrier and display (described below) is shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     The carriers  20  and  30  are arced as shown, and the wheels  22  and  32  would normally be in fixed position with respect to the vertical axis, so that carriers  20  and  30  follow the path their arc&#39;s define as they revolve around vehicle  10  on wheels  22  and  32 . However, it is possible for the aspect of wheels  22  and  32  to be adjustable so that carriers  20  and  30  can follow different arced paths. If the device employs a single wheel, instead of a pair of wheels on an axle, the aspect of that single wheel can also be altered to control the arc the carriers  20  and  30  follow. Where a track as in  FIG. 10  accommodates the wheels, the arc of the track defines the path followed by the carriers  20  and  30 . 
     Arms  36  and  38  link the ends of carriers  20  and  30 , so that they revolve together. In one embodiment, arms  36  and  38  should provide enough clearance to permit vehicle  10  to move in and out from its position between carriers  20  and  30 . Other methods of linking carriers  20  and  30  include having arms  36  and  38  hinged (to swing horizontally) or removable (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). Any such foregoing arrangement of arms  36  and  38  would allow the arms  36  and  38  to be moved out of the way when a vehicle is to enter or exit the imaging area. Carriers  20  and  30  could also be linked with other arrangements, including by connecting them to one beam which is affixed to the ceiling. Or wheels  22  and  32  of, respectively, carriers  20  and  30  could be separately powered, provided their movement is coordinated—for example, by shining electronic beams from one support to a receptor on the opposing support. 
     In  FIGS. 3 and 3A  a screen  37  is shown partially in place over the vehicle  10  side of carrier  20 . When screen  37  is fully lowered, it displays a desirable background for the vehicle  10  when its images are captured by imaging device  33 . The background on the screen  37  can be any type, including a green screen. 
       FIGS. 5 and 5A  are respectively plan and side views of a carrier  50  having a first set of wheels  52  and a second set of wheels  54 . At least one of the sets of wheels  52  or  54  can be rotated with respect to the vertical axis (as shown for wheels  52  in  FIG. 6 ) to allow the carrier  50  to move on a variety of arced paths. Carrier  50  is a representation of one section of carrier  20 , such as section  21   g  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     In  FIG. 7 , dolly  70  has three wheels  72 ,  74  and  76 , a tripod docking station  78  (where an adjustable imaging device docking station can be attached to the tripod). Wheels  74  and  76  can be rotated to the other side of support  75  by rotating plates  74   a  and  76   a  through ½ turn, so that dolly  70  can follow an arc in either direction.  FIG. 7  shows a computer docking station  81  for a computer, and a motor  85  or other drive unit. Batteries  87  are shown as well. Computer  81   a  can upload images from device  33  or  102 , automatically or under operator control, from where the images can be viewed or transferred to a server. It also shows a seat  89  for an operator, and foot pegs  91 .  FIG. 8  shows a telescoping tripod  93 , to which an imaging device can be affixed. The imaging device can be attached with a movable mount, so it can shoot at a variety of angles. 
     Motor  85  can drive the wheel  72  in either direction to cause revolution of the dolly  70  about the vehicle (vehicle  10  in  FIGS. 2 to 4 ) in either direction. Dolly  70  can be linked to carrier  50 , or carrier  50  can be independent and have its own motor and movement control. In the case where dolly  70  and carrier  50  have their own motors, their relative positions to each other and to the vehicle being imaged could be maintained using electronic beams and receptors on dolly  70  and carrier  50 , which control the motors to maintain the beams and receptors in alignment. One could also use other methods of movement control i.e., a digital compass  23   a  or a travel sensor. 
     Motor  85  or other motors on carrier  50  or dolly  70  can be electric, gas or diesel, and the dolly  70  can include a position to carry the energy source for motor  87 , including a photovoltaic cell or batteries  87 . 
       FIG. 9  shows an arm  100  for carrying an imaging device which can capture the upper surfaces of vehicle  10 . The imaging device  102  can slide up and down along arm  100  and also be locked into position along the sliding arc. Arm  100  would be attached to dolly  70  or the carriers  20  or  30 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts carriers  120  and  121  which each include a background display (arranged on the inside of the carriers surfaces, like display  37  in  FIGS. 3 and 3A ), an imaging device  133  or  136 , and lights  134  or  135 . In this embodiment, preferably, each imaging device  133  captures images in alternating sequence as the carriers  120  and  121  revolve around vehicle  10 , and each opposing set of lights alternates off and on, and is off when the opposing imaging device is capturing images, and on when the imaging device on its carrier is active. So in  FIG. 10 , lights  134  are on when device  133  captures images, and off when device  136  captures images. This allows the correct set of lights to illuminate the side of vehicle  10  when it is being imaged and prevents interference with the image from it capturing light from the opposing set of lights. In  FIG. 10 , arms  137  and  138  connect carriers  120  and  121 . 
     A variation of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  is to have carriers  120  and  120  joined by a wall (not shown), so as to form a substantially contiguous cylinder, but with an entrance for a vehicle somewhere in the contiguous wall structure. This embodiment could use one, two or more imaging devices which rotate with the wall structure. The lighting with multiple cameras would be similar to the arrangements as described and shown for  FIG. 10  if multiple cameras are deployed. 
     The problem of interference from opposing lights could also be solved by positioning of the lights relative to the imaging devices. If the lights are positioned high, as shown for lights  34  in  FIG. 4 , and the imaging device is positioned in a lower plane, even if the lights stay on, they should not create much interference, as the imaging devices will not be directly pointing at them. To avoid having the opposing imaging device appear in the images, the position of the devices can be adjusted—for example, by moving the devices to opposite ends of the carriers for them. 
       FIG. 11  shows arm  138  connected with a hinge to an end section  139  of carrier  120 .  FIG. 12  shows an arm  138  removably connected to an end section  139  of carrier  120 . Either arrangement allows the arm  138  to be removed so that the vehicle  10  (not shown) can be placed into position for imaging, between the displays. Both arms  137  and  138 , or either arm, could be removable or hinged. The removable or hinged arm arrangement in  FIGS. 11 and 12  can be used with a dual imaging device arrangement ( FIG. 10 ), or when only imaging device is used. 
     The entire imaging system and the vehicle as described herein could be enclosed in a structure (not shown), such as a tent, building or dome. The material the tent is made from could be polymer or canvas or other flexible material. The structure would need to accommodate the entry and exit of vehicles and personnel, so it would typically have a large entrance doorway (or flap), or an open section, large enough to allow vehicle entry and exit. A tent-like structure is shown in  FIG. 13 . In one embodiment, the interior walls of the structure have the background display imprinted on them, thereby eliminating the need for a display carrier. The structure should have a roof to block ambient light (as well as rain and snow) and keep the image quality consistent. 
     It should be understood that the terms and expressions used herein are exemplary only and not limiting, and that the scope of the invention is defined only in the claims which follow, and includes all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.