Navigation domain representation for interactive multiview imaging

Enabling users to interactively navigate through different viewpoints of a static scene is a new interesting functionality in 3D streaming systems. While it opens exciting perspectives towards rich multimedia applications, it requires the design of novel representations and coding techniques in order to solve the new challenges imposed by interactive navigation. Interactivity clearly brings new design constraints: the encoder is unaware of the exact decoding process, while the decoder has to reconstruct information from incomplete subsets of data since the server can generally not transmit images for all possible viewpoints due to resource constrains. In this paper, we propose a novel multiview data representation that permits to satisfy bandwidth and storage constraints in an interactive multiview streaming system. In particular, we partition the multiview navigation domain into segments, each of which is described by a reference image and some auxiliary information. The auxiliary information enables the client to recreate any viewpoint in the navigation segment via view synthesis. The decoder is then able to navigate freely in the segment without further data request to the server; it requests additional data only when it moves to a different segment. We discuss the benefits of this novel representation in interactive navigation systems and further propose a method to optimize the partitioning of the navigation domain into independent segments, under bandwidth and storage constraints. Experimental results confirm the potential of the proposed representation; namely, our system leads to similar compression performance as classical inter-view coding, while it provides the high level of flexibility that is required for interactive streaming. Hence, our new framework represents a promising solution for 3D data representation in novel interactive multimedia services

Random access prediction structures for light field video coding with MV-HEVC

Computational imaging and light field technology promise to deliver the required six-degrees-of-freedom for natural scenes in virtual reality. Already existing extensions of standardized video coding formats, such as multi-view coding and multi-view plus depth, are the most conventional light field video coding solutions at the moment. The latest multi-view coding format, which is a direct extension of the high efficiency video coding (HEVC) standard, is called multi-view HEVC (or MV-HEVC). MV-HEVC treats each light field view as a separate video sequence, and uses syntax elements similar to standard HEVC for exploiting redundancies between neighboring views. To achieve this, inter-view and temporal prediction schemes are deployed with the aim to find the most optimal trade-off between coding performance and reconstruction quality. The number of possible prediction structures is unlimited and many of them are proposed in the literature. Although some of them are efficient in terms of compression ratio, they complicate random access due to the dependencies on previously decoded pixels or frames. Random access is an important feature in video delivery, and a crucial requirement in multi-view video coding. In this work, we propose and compare different prediction structures for coding light field video using MV-HEVC with a focus on both compression efficiency and random accessibility. Experiments on three different short-baseline light field video sequences show the trade-off between bit-rate and distortion, as well as the average number of decoded views/frames, necessary for displaying any random frame at any time instance. The findings of this work indicate the most appropriate prediction structure depending on the available bandwidth and the required degree of random access

Representation and coding of 3D video data

Livrable D4.1 du projet ANR PERSEECe rapport a été réalisé dans le cadre du projet ANR PERSEE (n° ANR-09-BLAN-0170). Exactement il correspond au livrable D4.1 du projet

Optimized Camera Handover Scheme in Free Viewpoint Video Streaming

Free-viewpoint video (FVV) is a promising approach that allows users to control their viewpoint and generate virtual views from any desired perspective. The individual user viewpoints are synthetized from two or more camera streams and correspondent depth sequences. In case of continuous viewpoint changes, the camera inputs of the view synthesis process must be changed in a seamless way, in order to avoid the starvation of the viewpoint synthesizer algorithm. Starvation occurs when the desired user viewpoint cannot be synthetized with the currently streamed camera views, thus the FVV playout interrupts. In this paper we proposed three camera handover schemes (TCC, MA, SA) based on viewpoint prediction in order to minimize the probability of playout stalls and find the tradeoff between the image quality and the camera handover frequency. Our simulation results show that the introduced camera switching methods can reduce the handover frequency with more than 40%, hence the viewpoint synthesis starvation and the playout interruption can be minimized. By providing seamless viewpoint changes, the quality of experience can be significantly improved, making the new FVV service more attractive in the future

Free Viewpoint Video Based on Stitching Technique

Image stitching is a technique used for creating one panoramic scene from multiple images. It is used in panoramic photography and video where the viewer can only scroll horizontally and vertically across the scene. However, stitching has not been used for creating free-viewpoint videos (FVV) where viewers can change their viewing points freely and smoothly while playing the video. current research, implemented FVV playing system using image stitching, this system allows users to enjoy the capability of moving their viewpoint freely and smoothly. To develop this system, user should capture MVV from different viewpoints and with appropriate region area for each pair of cameras then the system stitch the overlapped video to create stitched video/videos to display it in FVV playing system with applying freely and smoothly switching and interpolation of viewpoints over video playback. Current research evaluated the performance of video playing system based on system idea, system accuracy, smoothness, and user satisfaction. The results of evaluation have been very positive in most aspects

Electronic Imaging & the Visual Arts. EVA 2015 Florence

Information Technologies of interest for Culture Heritage are presented: multimedia systems, data-bases, data protection, access to digital content, Virtual Galleries. Particular reference is reserved to digital images (Electronic Imaging & the Visual Arts), regarding Cultural Institutions (Museums, Libraries, Palace – Monuments, Archaeological Sites). The International Conference includes the following Sessions: Strategic Issues; New Technologies & Applications; New 2D-3D Technical Developments & Applications; Virtual Galleries – Museums and Related Initiatives; Access to the Culture Information. Two Workshops regard: International Cooperation; Innovation and Enterprise

Multimedia delivery in the future internet

The term “Networked Media” implies that all kinds of media including text, image, 3D graphics, audio and video are produced, distributed, shared, managed and consumed on-line through various networks, like the Internet, Fiber, WiFi, WiMAX, GPRS, 3G and so on, in a convergent manner [1]. This white paper is the contribution of the Media Delivery Platform (MDP) cluster and aims to cover the Networked challenges of the Networked Media in the transition to the Future of the Internet. Internet has evolved and changed the way we work and live. End users of the Internet have been confronted with a bewildering range of media, services and applications and of technological innovations concerning media formats, wireless networks, terminal types and capabilities. And there is little evidence that the pace of this innovation is slowing. Today, over one billion of users access the Internet on regular basis, more than 100 million users have downloaded at least one (multi)media file and over 47 millions of them do so regularly, searching in more than 160 Exabytes1 of content. In the near future these numbers are expected to exponentially rise. It is expected that the Internet content will be increased by at least a factor of 6, rising to more than 990 Exabytes before 2012, fuelled mainly by the users themselves. Moreover, it is envisaged that in a near- to mid-term future, the Internet will provide the means to share and distribute (new) multimedia content and services with superior quality and striking flexibility, in a trusted and personalized way, improving citizens’ quality of life, working conditions, edutainment and safety. In this evolving environment, new transport protocols, new multimedia encoding schemes, cross-layer inthe network adaptation, machine-to-machine communication (including RFIDs), rich 3D content as well as community networks and the use of peer-to-peer (P2P) overlays are expected to generate new models of interaction and cooperation, and be able to support enhanced perceived quality-of-experience (PQoE) and innovative applications “on the move”, like virtual collaboration environments, personalised services/ media, virtual sport groups, on-line gaming, edutainment. In this context, the interaction with content combined with interactive/multimedia search capabilities across distributed repositories, opportunistic P2P networks and the dynamic adaptation to the characteristics of diverse mobile terminals are expected to contribute towards such a vision. Based on work that has taken place in a number of EC co-funded projects, in Framework Program 6 (FP6) and Framework Program 7 (FP7), a group of experts and technology visionaries have voluntarily contributed in this white paper aiming to describe the status, the state-of-the art, the challenges and the way ahead in the area of Content Aware media delivery platforms

End-to-end 3D video communication over heterogeneous networks

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Three-dimensional technology, more commonly referred to as 3D technology, has revolutionised many fields including entertainment, medicine, and communications to name a few. In addition to 3D films, games, and sports channels, 3D perception has made tele-medicine a reality. By the year 2015, 30% of the all HD panels at home will be 3D enabled, predicted by consumer electronics manufacturers. Stereoscopic cameras, a comparatively mature technology compared to other 3D systems, are now being used by ordinary citizens to produce 3D content and share at a click of a button just like they do with the 2D counterparts via sites like YouTube. But technical challenges still exist, including with autostereoscopic multiview displays. 3D content requires many complex considerations--including how to represent it, and deciphering what is the best compression format--when considering transmission or storage, because of its increased amount of data. Any decision must be taken in the light of the available bandwidth or storage capacity, quality and user expectations. Free viewpoint navigation also remains partly unsolved. The most pressing issue getting in the way of widespread uptake of consumer 3D systems is the ability to deliver 3D content to heterogeneous consumer displays over the heterogeneous networks. Optimising 3D video communication solutions must consider the entire pipeline, starting with optimisation at the video source to the end display and transmission optimisation. Multi-view offers the most compelling solution for 3D videos with motion parallax and freedom from wearing headgear for 3D video perception. Optimising multi-view video for delivery and display could increase the demand for true 3D in the consumer market. This thesis focuses on an end-to-end quality optimisation in 3D video communication/transmission, offering solutions for optimisation at the compression, transmission, and decoder levels.Brunel University - Isambard Research Scholarshi

Overview of 3D Video: Coding Algorithms, Implementations and Standardization

Projecte final de carrera fet en col.laboració amb Linköping Institute of TechnologyEnglish: 3D technologies have aroused a great interest over the world in the last years. Television, cinema and videogames are introducing, little by little, 3D technologies into the mass market. This comes as a result of the research done in the 3D field, solving many of its limitations such as quality, contents creation or 3D displays. This thesis focus on 3D video, considering concepts that concerns the coding issues and the video formats. The aim is to provide an overview of the current state of 3D video, including the standardization and some interesting implementations and alternatives that exist. In the report necessary background information is presented in order to understand the concepts developed: compression techniques, the different video formats, their standardization and some advances or alternatives to the processes previously explained. Finally, a comparison between the different concepts is presented to complete the overview, ending with some conclusions and proposed ideas for future works.Castellano: Las tecnologías 3D han despertado un gran interés en todo el mundo en los últimos años. Televisión, cine y videojuegos están introduciendo, poco a poco, ésta tecnología en el mercado. Esto es resultado de la investigación realizada en el campo de las 3D, solucionando muchas de sus limitaciones, como la calidad, la creación de contenidos o las pantallas 3D. Este proyecto se centra en el video 3D, considerando los conceptos relacionados con la codificación y los formatos de vídeo. El objetivo es proporcionar una visión del estado actual del vídeo 3D, incluyendo los estándares y algunas de las implementaciones más interesantes que existen. En la memoria, se presenta información adicional para facilitar el seguimiento de los conceptos desarrollados: técnicas de compresión, formatos de vídeo, su estandarización y algunos avances o alternativas a los procesos explicados. Finalmente, se presentan diferentes comparaciones entre los conceptos tratados, acabando el documento con las conclusiones obtenidas e ideas propuestas para futuros trabajos.Català: Les tecnologies 3D han despertat un gran interès a tot el món en els últims anys. Televisió, cinema i videojocs estan introduint, lentament, aquesta tecnologia en el mercat. Això és resultat de la investigació portada a terme en el camp de les 3D, solucionant moltes de les seves limitacions, com la qualitat, la creació de continguts o les pantalles 3D. Aquest proyecte es centra en el video 3D, considerant els conceptes relacionats amb la codificació i els formats de video. L'objectiu és proporcionar una visió de l'estat actual del video 3D, incloent-hi els estandàrds i algunes de les implementacions més interessants que existeixen. A la memòria, es presenta informació adicional per facilitar el seguiment dels conceptes desenvolupats: tècniques de compressió, formats de video, la seva estandardització i alguns avenços o alternatives als procesos explicats. Finalment, es presenten diferents comparacions entre els conceptes tractats i les conclusions obtingudes, juntament amb propostes per a futurs treballs