An omnidirectional image-capturing assembly for conveniently generating virtual tours conducted via omnidirectional images, and a method executed thereby includes an omnidirectional image-capturing assembly having an omnidirectional image-capturing apparatus, a mobile computing apparatus, and a mobile stand for fixing the omnidirectional image-capturing apparatus and mobile computing apparatus.

A volumetric content enhancement system (“the system”) can annotate at least a portion of a plurality of voxels from a volumetric video with contextual data. The system can determine at least one actionable position within the volumetric video. The system can create an annotated volumetric video that includes the volumetric video, an annotation with the contextual data, and the at least one actionable position. The system can provide the annotated volumetric video to a volumetric content playback system. The system can obtain viewer feedback associated with the viewer and can determine an emotional state of the viewer based, at least in part, upon the viewer feedback. The system can receive viewer position information that identifies a specific actionable position of the viewer. The system can generate manipulation instructions to instruct the volumetric content playback system to manipulate the annotated volumetric content to achieve a desired emotional state of the viewer.

A volumetric content enhancement system (“the system”) can annotate at least a portion of a plurality of voxels from a volumetric video with contextual data. The system can determine at least one actionable position within the volumetric video. The system can create an annotated volumetric video that includes the volumetric video, an annotation with the contextual data, and the at least one actionable position. The system can provide the annotated volumetric video to a volumetric content playback system. The system can obtain viewer feedback associated with the viewer and can determine an emotional state of the viewer based, at least in part, upon the viewer feedback. The system can receive viewer position information that identifies a specific actionable position of the viewer. The system can generate manipulation instructions to instruct the volumetric content playback system to manipulate the annotated volumetric content to achieve a desired emotional state of the viewer.

An encoding device evaluates a plurality of processing and/or post-processing algorithms and/or methods to be applied to a video stream, and signals a selected method, algorithm, class or category of methods/algorithms either in an encoded bitstream or as side information related to the encoded bitstream. A decoding device or post-processor utilizes the signaled algorithm or selects an algorithm/method based on the signaled method or algorithm. The selection is based, for example, on availability of the algorithm/method at the decoder/post-processor and/or cost of implementation. The video stream may comprise, for example, downsampled multiplexed stereoscopic images and the selected algorithm may include any of upconversion and/or error correction techniques that contribute to a restoration of the downsampled images.

An encoding device evaluates a plurality of processing and/or post-processing algorithms and/or methods to be applied to a video stream, and signals a selected method, algorithm, class or category of methods/algorithms either in an encoded bitstream or as side information related to the encoded bitstream. A decoding device or post-processor utilizes the signaled algorithm or selects an algorithm/method based on the signaled method or algorithm. The selection is based, for example, on availability of the algorithm/method at the decoder/post-processor and/or cost of implementation. The video stream may comprise, for example, downsampled multiplexed stereoscopic images and the selected algorithm may include any of upconversion and/or error correction techniques that contribute to a restoration of the downsampled images.

Methods, apparatuses, mediums, and devices for generating multi-angle free-respective image data are provided. The method for generating multi-angle free-perspective image data includes: acquiring multiple synchronized images, where the multiple images have different shooting angles; determining the depth data of each image based on the multiple images; and for each of the images, storing pixel data of the image in a first field and storing depth data in a second field associated with the first field. Technical solutions in the example embodiments of the present invention may improve the user experience.

Methods, apparatuses, mediums, and devices for generating multi-angle free-respective image data are provided. The method for generating multi-angle free-perspective image data includes: acquiring multiple synchronized images, where the multiple images have different shooting angles; determining the depth data of each image based on the multiple images; and for each of the images, storing pixel data of the image in a first field and storing depth data in a second field associated with the first field. Technical solutions in the example embodiments of the present invention may improve the user experience.

Systems, devices, media, and methods are presented for capturing and sharing visual content, especially three-dimensional video, with a plurality of users with compatible devices. The methods in some implementations include transmitting the visual content to a portable projector, generating a unique invite and broadcasting it to a plurality of eyewear devices, and projecting the visual content onto a screen for viewers who accepted the invite and are wearing a compatible eyewear device. For projection in 3D format, the eyewear devices include an active shutter mode. The portable projector may be housed in the interior of a case. In some configurations, the case interior is sized and shaped to support the projector and an eyewear device. The system may include multiple projectors at remote locations directed to project the visual content simultaneously.

Systems, devices, media, and methods are presented for capturing and sharing visual content, especially three-dimensional video, with a plurality of users with compatible devices. The methods in some implementations include transmitting the visual content to a portable projector, generating a unique invite and broadcasting it to a plurality of eyewear devices, and projecting the visual content onto a screen for viewers who accepted the invite and are wearing a compatible eyewear device. For projection in 3D format, the eyewear devices include an active shutter mode. The portable projector may be housed in the interior of a case. In some configurations, the case interior is sized and shaped to support the projector and an eyewear device. The system may include multiple projectors at remote locations directed to project the visual content simultaneously.

A method includes generating a bitstream defining a presentation, the presentation comprising an omnidirectional visual media content and a first visual media component and a second visual media component; indicating in the bitstream a first presentation timeline and a second presentation timeline; and indicating in the bitstream a switching mode with respect to the first presentation timeline associated with the first visual media component, or with respect to the second presentation timeline associated with the second visual media component, the switching mode being indicated dependent on a viewpoint of a user; wherein the switching mode provides an indication of switching to the first visual media component or to the second visual media component, the first visual media component corresponding to content captured from a first omnidirectional camera in a first location, and the second visual media component corresponding to content captured from a second omnidirectional camera in a second location.