FlyCam: practical panoramic video and automatic camera control

Abstract

We describe computationally and materially inexpensive methods for panoramic video imaging. Digitally combining images from an array of inexpensive video cameras results in a wide-field panoramic camera, from inexpensive off-the-shelf hardware. We present methods that both correct lens distortion and seamlessly merge images into a panoramic video image. Electronically selecting a region of this results in a rapidly steerable "virtual camera". Because the camera is fixed with respect to the background, simple motion analysis can be used to track objects and people of interest. We present methods of motion analysis and algorithms for automatic camera control that mimic the actions of a human operator, using inexpensive and widely available hardware.