GoPro, Inc.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MAXIMIZING CODEC BANDWIDTH IN VIDEO APPLICATIONS

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for processing of video content to optimize codec bandwidth. In one embodiment, the method includes capturing panoramic imaging content (e.g., a 360.degree. panorama), mapping the panoramic imaging content into an equi-angular cubemap (EAC) format, and splitting the EAC format into segments for transmission to maximize codec bandwidth. In one exemplary embodiment, the EAC segments are transmitted at a different frame rate than the subsequent display rate of the panoramic imaging content. For example, the mapping and frame rate may be chosen to enable the rendering of 8K, 360.degree. content at 24 fps, using commodity encoder hardware and software that nominally supports 4K content at 60 fps.