Abstract

Methods and apparatus for using selective resolution reduction on images to be transmitted and/or used by a playback device are described. Prior to transmission one or more images of an environment are captured. Based on image content, motion detection and/or user input a resolution reduction operation is selected and performed. The reduced resolution image is communicated to a playback device along with information indicating a UV map corresponding to the selected resolution allocation that should be used by the playback device for rendering the communicated image. By changing the resolution allocation used and which UV map is used by the playback device different resolution allocations can be made with respect to different portions of the environment while allowing the number of pixels in transmitted images to remain constant. The playback device renders the individual images with the UV map corresponding to the resolution allocation used to generate the individual images.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 13/239 - Image signal generators using stereoscopic image cameras using two 2D image sensors having a relative position equal to or related to the interocular distance
• G06T 15/04 - Texture mapping
• H04N 13/332 - Displays for viewing with the aid of special glasses or head-mounted displays [HMD]

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for streaming or playing back stereoscopic content are described. Camera dependent correction information is communicated to a playback device and applied in the playback device to compensate for distortions introduced by the lenses of individual cameras. By performing lens dependent distortion compensation in the playback device edges which might be lost if correction were performed prior to encoding are preserved. Distortion correction information maybe in the form of UV map correction information. The correction information may indicate changes to be made to information in a UV map, e.g., at rendering time, to compensate for distortions specific to an individual camera. Different sets of correction information maybe communicated and used for different cameras of a stereoscopic pair which provide images that are rendered using the same UV map. The communicated correction information is sometimes called a correction mesh since it is used to correct mesh related information.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 13/246 - Calibration of cameras
• H04N 13/239 - Image signal generators using stereoscopic image cameras using two 2D image sensors having a relative position equal to or related to the interocular distance
• H04N 13/327 - Calibration thereof

Abstract

Content delivery and playback methods and apparatus are described. The methods and apparatus are well suited for delivery and playback of content, corresponding to a 360 degree environment and can be used to support streaming and/or real time delivery of content, e.g., 3D content, corresponding to an event such as a sports game, e.g., while the event is ongoing or after the event is over. Portions of the environment are captured by cameras located at different positions. The content captured from different locations is encoded and made available for delivery. A playback device selects the content to be received based in a user's head position. Streams may be prioritized and selected for delivery based on the user's current field of view and/or direction of head rotation. Static images or synthesized images can be used and combined with content from one or more streams, e.g., for background, sky and/or ground portions.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
• H04N 21/23 - Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
• H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
• H04N 21/647 - Control signaling between network components and server or clients; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients, e.g. controlling the quality of the video stream, by dropping packets, protecting content from unauthorised alteration within the network, monitoring of network load or bridging bet
• H04N 13/344 - Displays for viewing with the aid of special glasses or head-mounted displays [HMD] with head-mounted left-right displays