Optimized image delivery over limited bandwidth communication channels

A method of transferring large-scale images over a network with limited communications bandwidth, said method comprising:

• a) requesting image parcels from a network image parcel server providing for a progressive resolution enhancement of a defined image and subject further to an ordering reflecting a current image view point relative to said defined image;
• b) receiving image parcels from said network image parcel server, wherein said image parcels includes fixed dimension arrays of image pixel data;
• and
• c) displaying said image parcels as corresponding portions of said defined image.

A method of transferring a large-scale image over a network with limited communications bandwidth for display on a client device having a screen of limited resolution, said method comprising:

• a) selecting, for update, an image parcel having a defined parcel resolution and corresponding to a defined portion of a defined image that is displayed on a screen of defined screen resolution, wherein selection of said image parcel provides for a progressive resolution enhancement of said defined image subject to said defined parcel resolution being less than or equal to said defined screen resolution;
• b) requesting said image parcel from a network image parcel server by reference to said defined portion of said defined image;
• c) receiving said image parcel from said network image parcel server in a single data packet as a fixed dimension array of image pixel data;
• and
• d) displaying said image parcel as said defined portion of said defined image.

A display system for displaying a large-scale image retrieved over a limited bandwidth communications channel, said display system comprising:

• a) a display of defined screen resolution for displaying a defined image;
• b) a memory providing for the storage of a plurality of image parcels displayable over respective portions of a mesh corresponding to said defined image;
• c) a communications channel interface supporting the retrieval of a defined image parcel;
• and
• d) a processor coupled between said display, memory and communications channel interface, said processor operative to select said defined image parcel, retrieve said defined image parcel via said communications channel interface for storage in said memory, and uniquely render said defined image parcel over a discrete portion of said mesh to provide for a progressive resolution enhancement of said defined image on said display.