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`·REQUEST FOR ACCESS OF ABANDONED APPUCATI
`
`FEB n 2 ?000
`
`File Information Unit
`
`A1l:siltant ~ner tor Patents
`Wuftin;ton, cc :az31
`
`Nume«
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`C#opo? 900
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`(B) refeiTI!Id to in an :ap~it::i"J;r. that ts·c::er:·~::-::t.:!::!ie':nspec.!on as set fortn In 37 CFR 1 .11. i.e ..
`· ot
`on paoe
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`(C') an a~Ucn th:n c;irr.s the bener.t :f t!':e r.!!.·..Q ::at• of an ac-=ll=tion U\at Is open to J:U:.Ii:
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`in:speclcn. !.e .• Ap;:-iCZ"'..k:r. No.
`_(C) an a~ic:.:ti.::ln in whiel": the applicam ~as f"..&:l an ur .. o.::r.:..ation to lay open the ccm~ete
`apptlc::::.nX:ln to tne pu:!:.
`Please dlraa ;ny c::.:rre:s;x::-:: enca c::.oncamin-; !.."':!:!: rea:.:e..st t: t.ie tolk7wing address:
`
`_
`
`Oat a
`
`FOR PTO USE ON I.. Y
`Apprcved by: XE::;:.._..;.;... _ _ _
`Qnitlais)
`Unit: F I U
`
`

`

`•
`
`(
`
`,. "'
`United States Patent [19J
`Oxaal
`
`1110 ~DIIIIIOI ~u 11~ 101100 1l111 w 1m1 m1
`
`US005903782A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`5,903,782
`May 11,1999
`
`[54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`PRODUCING A THREE-HUNDRED AND
`SIXTY DEGREE SPHERICAL VISUAL DATA
`SET
`
`[76)
`
`Inventor: Ford Oxaal, 212 3rd St., No. 3-D,
`Troy, N.Y. 12180
`
`[21) Appl. No.: 08/749,166
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Nov. 14, 1996
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`[ 60) Provisional application No. 60/006,800, Nov. 15, 1995.
`Int. Cl.5
`.••••••••••.•••.••.•••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••.• G03B 29/00
`[51)
`[52] U.S. Cl ................................. 396/50; 396/428; 396/20
`[58] Field of Search ................................ 396/50, 428, 20,
`396/427
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1,730,346
`3,183,810
`4,591,250
`5,159,368
`5,185,667
`5,200,818
`5,259,584
`5,313,306
`5,359,363
`
`10/1929 Beeson et al. .......................... 396/428
`5/1965 Campbell et al. ........................ 396/20
`5/1986 Woodruff .................................. 396/50
`10/1992 Zemlin .................................... 396/427
`2/1993 Zimmermann .
`4/1993 Neta et al. .
`11/1993 Wainwright ............................... 396/20
`5/1994 Kuban et al..
`10/1994 Kuban et a! ..
`
`5,384,588
`
`1/1995 Martinet a! ..
`
`OTHER PUBLICPJIONS
`
`Photosphere Omniview Document, Nov. 2, 1995, pp. 1-3.
`Apple Quick Time VR Document, Nov. 28, 1995.
`Frequently Asked Questions About Photospheres, Omni(cid:173)
`view lnc,http://www.usit.net/hp/omniview/faq.htm, pp. 1-3,
`Nov. 2, 1995.
`Primary Examiner-David M. Gray
`Attorney, Agent, or Finn-Westerlund & Powell, P.C.;
`Raymond H.J. Powell, Jr.; Robert A. Westerlund
`ABSTRACT
`
`[57)
`
`The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method
`for producing a three-hundred and sixty degree spherical
`visual data set using at least one lens. The lens encompasses
`a field of view of not less than one-hundred and eighty
`degrees. The field of view is represented by a hemisphere
`defined by a half-space which is, in tum, defined by a first
`plane having an origin point through which a vertical axis of
`the plane extends. The apparatus includes a mounting sup(cid:173)
`port member and a plumbing device. The mounting support
`member positions at least one camera having the at least one
`lens. The mounting support member is aligned with the
`vertical axis and rotatable in first and second directions
`through at least one-hundred and eighty degrees from a first
`position to a second position. The plumbing device is
`mounted to one of the camera, lens and mounting means and
`maintains the vertical axis plumb.
`
`6 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
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`•
`
`United States Patent (19J
`Oxaal
`
`111111111111111111111111111 ~~•u~~n111111111111111111111111
`5,903,782
`[11] Patent Number:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`May 11,1999
`
`(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`PRODUCING A THREE-HUNDRED AND
`SIXTY DEGREE SPHERICAL VISUAL DATA
`SET
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor: Ford Oxaal, 212 3rd St., No. 3-D,
`Troy, N.Y. 12180
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 08!749,166
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Nov. 14, 1996
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`[ 60] . Provisional application No. 60/006,800, Nov. 15, 1995.
`Int. Cl.6
`................................... : ................. G03B 29/00
`[51)
`[52] U.S. CJ ................................. 396/50; 396/428; 396/20
`(58) Field of Search ................................ 396/50, 428, 20,
`396/427
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1,730,346
`3,183,810
`4,591,250
`5,159,368
`5,185,667
`5,200,818
`5,259,584
`5,313,306
`5,359,363
`
`10/1929 Beeson et al. .......................... 396/428
`5/1965 Campbell et al. ........................ 396/20
`5/1986 Woodruff .................................. 396/50
`10/1992 Zemlin .................................... 396/427
`2/1993 Zimmermann.
`4/1993 Neta et al. .
`11/1993 Wainwright ............................... 396/20
`5/1994 Kuban et al. .
`10/1994 Kuban et al. .
`
`5,384,588
`
`1/1995 Martinet al. .
`
`OTHER PUBLICJXTIONS
`
`Photosphere Omniview Document, Nov. 2, 1995, pp. 1-3.
`Apple Quick Time VR Document, Nov. 28, 1995.
`Frequently Asked Questions About Photospheres, Omni(cid:173)
`view Inc,http://www.usit.net/hp/omniview/faq.htm, pp. 1-3,
`Nov. 2, 1995.
`
`Primary Examiner-David M. Gray
`Attorney, Agent, or Finn-Westerlund & Powell, P.C.;
`Raymond H.J. Powell, Jr.; Robert A. Westerlund
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method
`for producing a three-hundred and sixty degree spherical
`visual data set using at least one lens. The lens encompasses
`a field of view of not Jess than one-hundred and eighty
`degrees. The field of view is represented by a hemisphere
`defined by a half-space which is, in turn, defined by a first
`plane having an origin point through which a vertical axis of
`the plane extends. The apparatus includes a mounting sup(cid:173)
`port member and a plumbing device. The mounting support
`member positions at least one camera having the at least one
`lens. The mounting support member is aligned with the
`vertical axis and rotatable in first and second directions
`through at least one-hundred and eighty degrees from a first
`position to a second position. The plumbing device is
`mounted to one of the camera, lens and mounting means and
`maintains the vertical axis plumb.
`
`6 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`"' HS
`/r"
`
`2
`
`' ' I
`' \
`' \
`
`I
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`I
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`

`SS OF ABANDONED AP
`
`ON UNDER 37 CFR 1.14(ai
`
`In re ~l=nion c:t
`
`PkOGf:~titu tit
`JUN t 61999
`r
`
`Alsiltant Cocmisaloner for P~tents
`V\luirin;ton, CC 20231
`
`(pO OO(c;;<tOO 1!-/5-/5
`
`Fitcl
`
`Paper No. ?Zt3
`
`I hereby request accas.s unden37 CFR 1.14(a)(3)0v) to the app(ication tue record of the above-(cid:173)
`k:.lentJfied ABANDONED a"pllcatic.n. which is: (CHECK ONE";
`
`_(A) referred to In Untted States Patent Number 5J q 0 )) 7$ L_ , column __ _
`
`_
`
`_
`
`_
`
`(B) refef'TlKi to in an ap~icat.ion that ls open to public lnspec:t.IOl'l as .set forth In 37 CFR 1 .11. i.e .•
`Applic:aUon No.
`. riled
`on page
`of
`paper number __ _
`
`(C) an a~tlon that dalms the benefl't of the tulnQ data of an IC)pllc:aUon that ls open to public
`inspedion., I.a., Ap~cation No.
`, or
`1 tilec: •
`
`(0) an apPk::ltion In which the applicant l'ias f'lad an autnoi'Wition to lay open the complete
`application to U'Je puolfx:.
`
`Please dii"Kt any correspondence ccncemin9 thls request to the following address:
`
`.U
`
`Typed or printed name
`
`~ -/t-9!
`
`Cat a
`
`FOR ?TO USE
`
`

`

`•
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`In re the Application of
`
`Ford, OXAAL.
`
`Application No: 60!006,800
`
`Group Art Unit: Not yet assigned
`
`Filed: November 15, 1995
`
`Examiner: Not yet assigned
`
`For: METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A 360 DEGREE VISUAL DATA
`SET
`
`REQUEST FOR CORRECTED OFFICIAL
`
`ATTN: CORRECTIONS BRANCH
`Assistant Commissioner
`for Patents
`
`Sir:
`
`We enclose a copy of the Official Filing Receipt for the above-identified
`
`application and request a correction as follows:
`
`The Applicant(s) name should read --OXAAL--
`
`The Applicant's state should read --NY--
`
`as indicated on the original Provisional Application filed November 15, 1995.
`
`This error was<'aused by the PTO and therefore no fee is necessary.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`Raymond H. J. Powell, Jr.
`Registration No. 34,231
`
`SUGHRUE, MION, ZINN,
`MACPEAK & SEAS
`2100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
`Washington, D.C. 20037-3202
`(202) 293-7060
`Date: January 31, 1996
`
`

`

`. .
`
`J
`
`•
`
`'
`
`~
`
`PT0-103P
`(Rev, 8-951 PROVISIONAL APPUCATION
`FlUNG REC8PT
`
`APPLICATION. NUMBER! FILING DATE
`~ 1
`60/006,800 11/15/95
`
`•
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Patent and Trademark Office
`ASSISTANT SECRETARY AND COMMISSIONER
`OF PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
`Washington, D.~. 20~J1
`I FIL FEE.REC'D IATIORNEY DOCKET NO~ DRWGS
`$75.00 P6630
`
`3
`
`SUGHRUE.MION ZINN MACPEAK & SEAS
`2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
`WASHINGTON DC 20037-3202
`) .. :oo
`
`. :·)
`
`. ;.·
`
`,.,_ . . . -~
`Receipt Is acknowledged of this Provisional Application. This Provisional Application will not be examined for patentability. Be sure to provide
`the PROVISIONAL APPLICATION NUMBER, FILING DATE, NAME OF APPLICANT, and TinE OF INVENTION when Inquiring about 'this applicatior
`Fees transmitted by check or draft are subject to collection. Please verify the accuracy of the data presented on this receipt. H an eiTOr
`Is n_oted on this Filing Receipt, please write to Box ·Provisional Application within 10 days of receipt. Please provide a copy of the
`Provisional Application Filing Receipt with the changes noted thereon. This Provisional Application will automatically be abandoned twelve (121 montt
`after Its filing date and will not be sub ect to r.aviv~l to restore ~nding status beyond a date which Is after tw~lve (121 months from Its filing date.
`1 . TROY',, c::.:J N 'I C...
`• · ·.
`. ·
`.
`. .
`· .
`· FORD 0
`·
`Applicant(s)
`.
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`'\:F.:__
`. ())<'AA L
`.
`,, ...
`
`r
`
`I·'
`
`.,''
`
`. * $MALL ENTITY:.*
`. FOREIGN FILING LICENSE GRANTED 0~/24/96 -'
`TITLE
`METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A 360 DEGREE VISUAL DATA SET_,
`
`"
`
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`

`RESIDENCE (CITY AND EITHER STATE OR FOREIGN COUNTRY)
`
`212 Third Street
`#3D
`
`Troy
`
`--
`
`®2180
`
`I
`
`-
`
`-
`
`.......:."'~
`
`~~'1·
`-;.
`
`This is a request
`\.R~
`Ml\\1 ~
`15
`!»f;l
`~LAS~~~ .i
`FIRST NAME
`F
`0~
`--
`Ford
`
`>
`
`P6630
`
`Number
`
`INVENTOR(S) APPLICANT(S)
`
`PTO/SB/16 (695)
`
`+
`
`Type a plus sign (+)
`inside this box --~
`
`VISIONAL APPLICATION COVER~SHEET
`filing a PROVISIONAL APPLICA~under 37
`I Docket I
`I M.I. I
`
`TITLE OF THE INVENTION (280 characters max)
`METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR PRODUCING A 360 DEGREE VISUAL DATA SET
`
`CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`SUGHRUE MION, ZINN, MACPEAK & SEAS
`21.Q.Q..ReoJ:Isyl vanj a Avenue...J!..J!.:,.
`~ashin~ton D.C.
`
`STATE
`·"''"·
`~:
`
`D.C.
`
`ZIP CODE
`
`1 20037- 1
`3202
`
`COUNTRY
`
`I
`
`USA
`
`ENCLOSED APPLICATION PARTS (check all that apply)
`
`~ ,,.,,,;,,,,,,
`
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`I D small Entity Statement
`Number of Pages I
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`
`I
`
`...
`lb~,
`
`lF~~:
`
`\~~l
`:~J
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (check one)
`
`A check or money order is enclosed to cover the Provisional filing
`fees. The PTO also is authorized to charge any additional fee or
`credit any overpayment to keep this provisional application pending
`in the Patent and Trademark Office to our Deposit Account No. 19-
`4880. A duplicate copy of this paper is attached.
`
`The Commissioner is authorized to charge the Provisional filing fees
`to our Deposit Account No. 19-4880. The PTO also is authorized to
`charge any additional fee or credit any overpayment to keep this
`provisional application pending in the Patent and Trademark Office to
`our Deposit Account No. 19-4880. A duplicate copy of this paper is
`attached.
`
`PROVISIONAL FILING
`FEE AMOUNT(S)
`$150.00
`
`The invention was made by an agency of the U.S. Government or under a contract with an agency of the U.S. Government.
`
`EJ No.
`~ Yes, the name of the U.S. Government agency and the Government contract number are:
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`SIGNATURE
`
`TYPED
`
`Date
`
`Jr.
`
`REGISTRATION NO.
`
`34,231
`
`Additional inventors are being named on separately numbered sheets attached hereto
`PROVISIONAL APPLXCATXOB FXLXBG ONLY
`
`

`

`P!MN Md Tra.....- c:::a.; U.S. CIEJitMTUDIT QIIE CCMlolER.~
`11'1111111--..a ..... a . I S - - ,.,..,_
`1 Slil!i. na !*"1101'S IWI"'II::UWW..ID ~IDa
`
`REQUEST FOR ACCESS OF ABANDONED APP
`In re A;lpie:don ct
`
`nON UNDER 37 CFR 1.14(a)
`
`(pO OO(c;ctOO 1!-15-/5
`
`Fitd
`
`Alsistant Corrrrisuu ... r fur Patents
`\\lashin;ton, DC 20231
`
`Paper No. :9t3
`
`_
`
`l hereby reQuest ac.cas.s unden37 CFR 1.1,(a)(3)0v) to tile apptic.ation flle record of the above(cid:173)
`k:len1lfiea ABANDONED app.licatiOtl, which 1s: (CHECK ONE';
`_(A) referred to In United States Patent Numr>er 5j q 0 .3) 7F '(_ , column _ _ _
`(B) refei'T'I!Id to in an application that 1s open to public: Inspection as set forth In 37 CFR 1 .11. i.e ..
`of
`on page
`filed
`Application No.
`paper number _ _ _
`(C) an applk:atJon that dafms the beneftt of the flnno date of an a~lle::aUon 'that is open to public
`. or
`, til~·
`inspection. !.a., Ap~cation No.
`(0) an appik:.atiOn in which the applicant r.as me<J an authori.z..ation to lay open the complete
`application to the putllfc.
`Please dlnte:t any CCm!Spondenca concerning thts request to the followlng address=
`
`_
`
`_
`
`Jff:...ature
`~;f/tJ
`
`Typed or printed name
`
`? -It- 9!
`
`Oate
`
`FOR PTO USE
`
`Unit:
`-\I'M wU v·ary dtiUM!In; ~CIOn I!'UI !'lnd• of!.;: inoi~
`"'" .,.., ~..r.rr~.u,te l"",:' t~rf""" ,n,.,n •• d tlit 'ent~o t~~. t.....hr•~!~~~~atlon ... '-· ... ~c:e~ ,....
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`

`

`.. -\..
`
`..
`
`FORD OX(,lAL
`
`5182709819
`
`P.03
`
`MINDS
`
`EYE
`
`VI E VV
`
`June 14, 1995
`
`page 1oft)
`
`Methods and apparatuses for producing a 360 degree visual data set usin~ photographic
`lenses which encompass a field of view not less than 180 degrees. In each case, two
`photographic images will be shot and used in such a way as to result the said data set.
`
`Definitions
`
`l. Field of interest within the field of view of the lens: this is some designated 90 degree radius
`( 180 degree) portion of the lens field of view. This 180 degree portion may be represented as a
`hemisphere (H) defined by a half-space (HS}fn tum defined by a plane (P). C~nter point (CP)
`is designated as the point on the hemisphere fu11:hest from the plane (P). Direction of vision
`(DOV) is the ray from the o11bogonal projection (point C) of center point (CP) onto plane (P)
`to center point (CP). (This point (C) is also the center of hemisphere (H)). The ray from point
`(C) in the opposite direction from ray (DOV) is designated ( -DOV). Horizon (HZ) is some
`great circle of the hemisphere (H) through center point" (CP). Axis (A) is the l~ne on plane (P)
`perpendicular to the orthogonal projection (line HZP) of horizon (HZ) onto pl~e (P). 5ea..
`f',·, .. I
`
`Method and awaratus I now prefer for still shot photo~aphy:
`
`Apparatus;
`
`1. monopod extending from a point not in half-space (HS) to a foot point (FP) :somewhere on
`axis (A). Camera and lens are mounted on this mono'pod such that neither the camera nor the
`'5c,.t. fi-" '2-.
`lens casing are within half-space (HS).
`;,
`2. bubble level mounted on camera, or lens, or something fixed to monopod aligned so that
`when it is level. axis (A) is plumb.
`
`Method:
`
`1. get axis (A) plumb by using the said bubble level.
`
`2. maintain plumbness of axis (A) and align lens azimuth-wise such that the strongest fixed
`light source is aligned in plane (P).
`·
`
`3. shoot first picture (Pl).
`
`4. pivot the whole rig 180 degrees around axis (A) keeping foot point (FP) the same.
`
`::=:::
`::::::::::: TROY. NEW YORK 12180
`30
`2t2 THIRD STREET
`PHONE S 18·2.7-4-1862. • FAX 5 18-270·9819 • EMAIL ford@s'teptools.com
`
`JUN-15-1995 11:00
`
`957.
`
`P.03
`
`

`

`FORD OXAAL
`
`5182709819
`
`P.04
`
`MINDS
`
`EYE
`
`VI E VV
`
`June 14, 1995
`
`5. repeat steps 1 and 2, and shoot second picture (P2).
`
`page 2 off)
`
`Method and a12paratus I have tried which is useful for rigs too heavy to put on a monopod. or
`for which tripodinf: is necessary for time lapse photography or motion picture'photography.
`
`Apparatus:
`
`1. tripod adjusted so that two legs designated "front legs" form a plane roughly parallel to axis
`(A), the third leg extended or retracted to achieve this. The line (L) connecting the feet of the
`front legs is adjusted so that it is parallel to plane (P). Tripod thus forms rougQly a right~angled
`three-sided prism wherein no part of the tripod is within half-space (HS). Point (AP) where
`axis (A) intersects the ground is detel'mined using a plumb line dropped from the point (C) to
`the ground and marking the spot. $~( f;,. 3
`
`2. bubble level mounted on camera, or lens, or some.tbing fixed to monopod aligned so that
`when it is level, axis (A) is plumb.
`
`Method:
`
`1. delineate on the ground a line (LG) representing intersection of plane (P) w:lth the ground.
`This is done by constructing a line parallel to line (L) through the point (AP).
`
`2. adjust third leg so that levels indicate axis (A) is plumb.
`
`3. shoot first picture (Pl).
`
`4. flip whole apparatus around 180 degrees by assuring that front feet are fo~g a line
`parallel to line (LG) and by assuring point (C) forms a line which is plumb an~ containing
`·
`point (AP).
`
`5. Repeat step 2 and shoot second picture (P2).
`
`::=:
`TROY. NEW YORK 12180
`-
`30
`212 THII\0 STREET
`PHONE 5 18·274•1862 • FAX 518·270-9819 • EMAIL ford@s~eptools.com
`
`P.04
`
`

`

`FORD OXj:IAL
`
`5182709819
`
`F".05
`
`M
`
`N D S
`
`EYE
`
`VI E\IV
`
`June 14, 1995
`
`Extensions of my above work:
`
`page3of65
`
`I. substitute two tube levels at right angles to one another for the bubble level described above,
`adjusted so that when both tubes are level, axis (A) is plumb.
`
`2. camera mount comprised of outer sleeve attachable to tlipod or monopod or some other
`means of support and an inner cylinder attachable to camera and lens which rotates inside
`sleeve around axis (B) and which clicks into place in a first direction (D) or a second opposite
`direction (·D) by use of a spring loaded pin in the outer sleeve which forms a tight fit with
`either of two rounded notches on opposite sides of the inner rotating cylinder. The camera
`mount is adjustable so that axis (A) of the field of interest of the lens can be aligned with axis
`(B) when the camera and lens are attached to the mount
`·
`
`3. camera mount supporting two cameras and two opposing lenses aligned so ~hat point (CP)
`for each lens faces in opposite directions. This will have parallax problems proportional to the
`amount the cameras and lens casings prevent each lens from being physically located such that
`their respective focal points are identical.
`
`I
`
`•
`
`4. spinning camera and lens as in 2. rotating around axis (A) shooting pictures :twice per
`revolution, said shootings triggered once in some direction (DOV) and once in opposite
`direction (-DOV) deternililed by optical sensors and opposite cut slits in place of spring loaded
`pins or some other means.
`·
`
`5. gimbal mount which fits around circular lens casing with gimbal axis coincident with line
`(HZP), and legs coincident with plane (P).
`
`6. the above tripods and mounts constructed of transparent and non-reflective-materials.
`
`7. means for registering ray (DOV) and ray ( -DOV) comprised of finder scopes.
`
`8. means for registering ray (DOV) and ray (-DO V) comprised of laser reflection and
`photoelectric elements.
`
`9. means for registering ray (DOV) and ray (-DOV) comprised of gyroscopic element.
`
`::=:::
`TROY. NEW YORK 12180
`-
`30
`2.12. THIRD STREET
`PHONE 5 t 8·274·1862. • FAX 51 8·270·9819 • EMAIL ford@steptools.com
`
`JUN-15-1995 11:02
`
`95%
`
`P.05
`
`

`

`'
`FORD OX~AL · -•
`
`5192709819
`
`P.06
`
`M I N D s
`
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`t ..
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`t
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`~
`
`-t>cN
`
`" '
`''
`
`212 THIRD STREET
`::=:
`JD 0: TROY, NEW YORK 12180
`PHONE 5 18-274-1862 • FAX 5 18·270·9819 • EMAIL ford@steptools.com
`
`JUN-15-1995 11:02
`
`95%
`
`P.06
`
`

`

`FORD OX-f:jAL. ~
`
`~192709819
`
`P.07
`
`MINDS
`
`EYE
`
`VI E'IV
`
`;
`
`/
`
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`/, ..
`'
`' "
`'
`',
`~
`
`\ ',,~
`
`' ' \
`\.
`
`\
`I
`
`r.·, 3 .
`
`:=:
`TROY, NEW YORK 12180
`-
`3D
`212 THIRD STREET
`PHONE S 18·274-1862 • FAX S 18•270•9819 • EMAIL ford@sieptools.com
`
`JUN-15-1995 11:03
`
`95%
`
`P.0'7
`
`

`

`.V.ONAL APPLICATION COVER s.
`
`I
`
`Number
`
`P6630
`
`Type a plus sign (+)
`inside this box --~
`
`'.·.
`PTO/SB/16 (695)
`
`+
`
`FIRST NAME
`
`Ford
`
`INVENTOR(S) APPLICANT(S)
`
`I M. I. I
`
`212 Third Street
`#3D
`
`This is a request ~f g a PROVISIONAL APPLICA~! . 37
`""""""""
`I Docket I
`~LR~
`t.ll\\1 ~
`.
`I ~~ 15
`!)~I
`\if.. LAS~ 9kW A
`~ ~A. ~:6"
`-
`-
`Oxa~~~~
`
`RESIDENCE (CITY AND EITHER STATE OR FOREIGN COUNTRY)
`~2180
`
`Troy
`
`-
`
`METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR PRODUCING A 360 DEGREE VISUAL DATA SET
`
`TITLE OF THE INVENTION (280 characters max>
`
`CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`SUGHRU~ filiON, ZINY MACeEAK & SEAS
`'2100 pennsyJlv.anja Avenue N.W..:,.
`IJashiogton D.C.
`
`STATE
`
`D.C.
`
`.:::~=-
`
`6
`ttJ Specification
`:-x
`~ '''''"''''
`
`?:J f:
`
`I
`Number of Pages ~ D Small Entity Statement
`Number of Sheets t=J
`
`ZIP CODE
`
`1 20037- 1
`3202
`
`COUNTRY
`
`ENCLOSED APPLICATION PARTS (check all that aoolv>
`
`Other (specify)
`
`!
`
`USA
`
`I
`
`:~
`
`~~.
`.. F:;::
`
`\g
`~~
`XX
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (check one)
`
`A check or money order is enclosed to cover the Provisional filing
`fees. The PTO also is authorized to charge any additional fee or
`credit any overpayment to keep this provisional application pending
`in the Patent and Trademark Office to our Deposit Account No. 19-
`4880. A duplicate copy of this paper is attached.
`
`The Commissioner is authorized to charge the Provisional filing fees
`to our Deposit Account No. 19-4880. The PTO also is authorized to
`charge any additional fee or credit any overpayment to keep this
`provisional application pending in the Patent and Trademark Office to
`our Deposit Account No. 19-4880. A duplicate copy of this paper is
`attached.
`
`PROVISIONAL FILING
`FEE AMOUNT(S)
`$150.00
`
`The invention was made by an agency of the U.S. Government or under a contract with an agency of the U.S. Government.
`
`EJ No.
`~ Yes, the name of the U.S. Government agency and the Government contract number are:
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`SIGNATURE
`TYPED
`
`Date
`
`Jr.
`
`REGISTRATION NO.
`
`34,231
`
`c==J Additional inventors are being named on separately numbered sheets attached hereto
`PROVZSZO~ APPLZCATZOB FZLZBG OBLY
`
`

`

`FORD OXRAL ·
`
`•
`
`5192709919
`
`P.06
`
`••
`
`M ·I N D S
`
`......
`
`•
`
`VI E 'N
`f~ 'I o( ')
`
`EYE
`
`.,...
`......
`
`fj.~·.\
`
`(
`
`212 THIRD STREET
`-
`JD
`::::::::: TROY, NEW YORK 12180
`PHONE 518·274·1862 • FAX 518·270·9819 • EMAIL ford@s~eptools.com
`
`JUN-15-1995 11:02
`
`95~
`
`P.06
`
`

`

`FORD O><•~ji:!,L • •
`
`:518270981.9
`
`F'.07
`
`M
`
`I N D s
`
`,
`,. ~
`
`.......
`
`E y E
`
`_.....
`.......
`
`..,
`...... VI E'N
`
`'
`
`fQ.je_ $"' 0 f ~
`
`\
`"\ HS
`¥!!'\'
`
`'
`'
`'
`
`I
`
`,.
`'
`
`\
`
`\
`
`"' \
`' '
`'
`'
`'
`\
`'
`
`'-
`'
`'
`
`~ '""
`
`212 THIRD STREET
`:::=::
`30
`-
`TROY, NEW YORK 12180
`PHONE 518·27-4-1862 • FAX 518·270·9819 • EMAIL ford@sieptools.com
`
`JUN-15-1995 11:03
`
`95%
`
`P.07
`
`

`

`Best ~Jalfibl&~d~y •
`
`......
`
`N D S
`
`M
`
`EYE
`
`5192709919
`
`P.03
`
`•
`
`V I E V\1
`
`June 14, 1995
`
`page 1oft S""·
`Methods and apparatuses for producing a 360 degree visual data set usin$ photographic
`lenses which encompass a field of view not less than 180 degrees. In each case, two
`photographic images will be shot and used in such a way as to result the said data set.
`
`Definitions
`
`l. Field of interest within the field of view of the lens: this is some designated: 90 degree radius
`( 180 degree) portion of the lens field of view. This 180 degree portion may be represented as a
`hemisphere (H) defined by a half-space (HSy:fn tum defined: by a plane (P). C~nter point (CP)
`is designated as the point on the hemisphere fu11hest from the plane (P). Direction of vision
`(DOV) is the ray from the 01thogonal projection (point C) of center point (CP) onto plane (P}
`to center point (CP). (This point (C) is also the center of hemisphere (H)). The ray from point
`(C) in the opposite direction from ray (DOV) is designated ( -DOV). Horizon (HZ) is some
`great circle of the hemisphere (H) through center poinf (CP). Axis (A) is the llne on plane (P)
`. perpendicular to the orthogonal projection (line HZP) of horizon (HZ) onto pl~e (P).
`~ieA­
`Fi,, J.
`
`Method and A£2£2aratus I now prefer for still shot photography:
`
`Apparatus:
`
`1. monopod extending-from a point not in half-space (HS) to a foot point (FP) ·somewhere on
`axis (A). Camera and lens are mounted on this mono'pod such that neither the camera nor the
`~c. fi,_l-
`lens casing are within half·space (HS}.
`l
`2. bubble level mounted on camera, or lens, or something fixed to monopod aligned so that
`when it is level, axis (A) is plumb.
`
`Method:
`
`1. get axis (A) plumb by using the said bubble level.
`
`2. maintain plumbness of axis (A) and align lens azimuth-wise such that the strongest fixed
`light source js aligned in plane (P).
`·
`
`3. shoot first picture (Pl).
`
`4. pivot the whole rig 180 degrees around axis (A) keeping foot point (FP) the ~arne.
`
`212 THIRD STREET
`30
`::=:::
`-
`TROY. NEW YORK 12180
`PHONE 5 18·27<4-1862 • FAX 5 18-270·9819 • EMAIL ford@s:teptools.com
`
`JUN-15-1995 11:08
`
`P.B3
`
`

`

`Best Av:atlable)():oplly •
`
`N D S
`
`M
`
`P.04
`
`EYE
`
`VI E VV
`
`June 14, 1995
`
`5. repeat steps 1 and 2, and shoot second picture (P2).
`
`page 2 off)
`
`Method and ap_paratus I have tried which is useful for rigs too heavy to put on a monopod. or
`for which tripoding is necessary for time lapse photography or motion picture 'photography.
`
`Apparatus:
`
`'
`l. tripod adjusted so that two legs designated "front legs" form a plane roughly parallel to axis
`(A), the third leg extended or retracted to achieve this. The line (L) connecting the feet of the
`front legs is adjusted so that it is parallel to plane (P). Tripod thus forms rough.ly a right-angled
`three-sided prism wherein no part of the tripod is within half-space (HS). Point (AP) where
`axis (A) intersects the ground is determined using a plumb line dropped from the point (C) to
`the ground and marking the spot. S~( f;~. 3 _. :
`2. bubble level mounted on camera, or lens, or something fixed to monopod aligned so that
`when it is level, axis (A) is plumb.
`
`w
`
`Method:
`
`1. delineate on the ground a line (LG) representing intersection of plane (P) with the ground.
`This is done by constructing a line parallel to line (L) through the point (AP). .
`
`2. adjust third leg so that levels indicate axis (A) is plumb.
`
`3. shoot first picture (Pl).
`
`4. flip whole apparatus around 180 degrees by assuring that front feet are forming a line
`parallel to line (LG) and by assuring point (q forms a line which is plumb an.~ containing
`point (AP).
`
`5. Repeat step 2 and shoot second picture (P2).
`
`212 THIRD STREET
`30 C: TROY. NEW Y<;»RK 12180
`-
`PHONE 518-274•1862 • FAX 5 I 8•270-9819 • EMAIL ford@steptools.com
`
`

`

`M
`
`N D S
`
`EYE
`
`VI E VV
`
`5182709819
`
`P.0S
`
`•
`
`June 14, 1995
`
`Extensions of my above work:
`
`page3 of• 5
`
`I. substitute two tube levels at right angles to one another for the bubble level described above,
`adjusted so that when both tubes are level, axis (A) is plumb.
`
`2. camera mount comprised of outer sleeve attachable to ttipod or monopod ot some other
`means of support and an inner cylinder attachable to camera and lens which rotates inside
`sleeve around axis (B) and which clicks into place in a first direction (D) or a second opposite
`direction (-D) by use of a spring loaded pjn in the outer sleeve which forms a ~ight fit with
`either of two rounded notches on opposite sides of the inner rotating cylinder. 'fhe camera
`mount is adjustable so that axis (A) of the field of interest of the lens can be aligned with axis
`(B) when the camera and lens are attached to the mount.
`'
`
`3. camera mount supporting two cameras and two opposing lenses aligned so ~hat point (CP)
`for each lens faces in opposite directions. This will have parallax problems proportional to the
`amount the cameras and lens casings prevent each lens from being physically located such that
`their respective focal points are identical.
`
`I
`
`.
`
`•
`
`4. spinning camera and lens as in 2. rotating around axis (A) shooting pictures:twice per
`revolution, said shootings triggered once in some direction (DOV) and once in opposite
`direction (-DOV) detennined by optical sensors and opposite cut slits in place of spring loaded
`pins or some other means.
`·
`
`5. gimbal mount which fits around circular lens casing with gimbal axis coincident with line
`(HZP), and legs coincident with plane (P).
`
`6. the above tripods and mounts constructed of _transparent and non-reflective-materials.
`
`7. means for registering ray (DOV) and ray ( -DOV) comprised of finder scopes.
`
`8. means for registering ray (DOV) and ray (-DOV) comprised of laser reflection and
`photoelectric elements.
`
`9. means for registering ray (DOV) and ray (-DOV) comprised of gyroscopic element.
`
`212 THIRD STREET
`30
`::::::::: TROY, NEW YORK 12180
`::::=::::.
`PHONE S 18·271-1862 • FAX S 18·270·9819 • EMAIL ford@s,teptools.com
`
`JUN-15-1995 11:02
`
`P.05
`
`

`

`BAR CODE LABEL
`
`•
`
`11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`
`•
`
`U.S. PATENT APPLICATION
`
`SERIAL NUMBER
`
`FILING DATE
`
`CLASS
`
`GROUP ART UNIT
`
`60/006,800
`PROVISIONAL
`
`11/15/95
`
`FORD OXAAN, TROY, MI.
`
`1-z
`()
`::::i
`D..
`D.. <
`
`**CONTINUING DATA*********************
`VERIFIED
`
`**FOREIGN/PCT APPLICATIONS************
`VERIFIED
`
`FOREIGN FILING LICENSE GRANTED 01/24/96
`
`***** SMALL ENTITY *****
`
`STATE OR
`COUNTRY
`
`SHEETS
`DRAWING
`
`TOTAL
`CLAIMS
`
`INDEPENDENT
`CLAIMS
`
`FILING FEE
`RECEIVED
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.
`
`MI
`
`3
`
`$75.00
`
`P6630
`
`SUGHRUE MION ZINN MACPEAK & SEAS
`2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
`WASHINGTON DC 20037-3202
`
`METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A 360 DEGREE VISUAL DATA SET
`
`(/)
`(/)
`
`w a:
`Cl
`Cl <
`
`w
`.....
`1-
`i=
`
`This is to certify that annexed hereto is a true copy from the records of the United States
`Patent and Trademark Office of the application wh1ch is identified above.
`·
`By authority of the
`COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
`
`Date
`
`Certifying Officer
`
`

`

`•
`
`•
`
`PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO . - - - - - - - -
`
`U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`FEE RECORD SHEET
`
`0&/13/tm MVILLARI 00000039 194&80
`150.00CH
`01 FC:114
`