SWITCHABLE MULTIPLE VIDEO TRACK PLATFORM

• US 20150124048A1
• Filed: 11/04/2014
• Published: 05/07/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Livestage Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Livestage Incorporated
• Inventors: King, Kristopher
• Application Number:
  US14/532,659
• Publication Number:
  US 20150124048A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/38
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/243 using three or more 2D image sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/21805 enabling multiple viewpoints, e.g. using a plurality of cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2187 Live feed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2365 Multiplexing of several video streams
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2368 Multiplexing of audio and video streams
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/242 Synchronization processes, e.g. processing of PCR [Program Clock References] arrangements for synchronising broadcast or distribution via plural systems in broadcast distribution systems H04H20/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6193 involving transmission via a satellite arrangements for data linking, networking or transporting, or for controlling an end to end session in a satellite broadcast system H04B7/18526
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/268 Signal distribution or switching
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for generating and transmitting a multimedia, multi-vantage point platform for viewing audio and video data. The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a user switchable multiple video track platforms. More specifically, the present invention presents methods and apparatus for capturing multiple video streams of image data and video including 360° views and high definition (HD) image capture and transforming image and audio data into a viewing experience emulating observance of an event from multiple vantage points.

Claims

1. Apparatus for providing a switchable multiple video track platform, the apparatus comprising:

a plurality of arrays of image capture devices deployed at a plurality of vantage points in relation to an event subject location;

one or more high definition image capture devices deployed in at least one vantage points in relation to the event subject location;

one or more audio capture device deployed in at least one audio vantage point in relation to the event subject location;

a multiplexer configured to;

receive input comprising image data from the plurality of arrays of image capture devices and the one or more high definition image capture devices and at least one audio feed from the one or more audio capture device; and

synchronize and encode the input to produce an encoded and synchronized output; and

a content delivery network for transmitting the encoded and synchronized output.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one vantage point allows the one or more high definition image capture devices to capture a primary view of an event subject.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of arrays of image capture devices captures a 360°

view from at least one of the plurality of vantage points.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising an apparatus for muxing image data captured by the plurality of image data devices and the one or more high definition image capture device, wherein the content delivery network transmits muxed image data.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 additionally comprising a satellite uplink for transmitting the muxed image data.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the muxed image data comprises a 360°

view from at least one of the plurality of vantage points.

7. A method of providing a switchable multiple video track platform, the method comprising:

capturing image data from a plurality of arrays of image capture devices deployed at a plurality of vantage points in relation to an event subject location;

capturing high definition image data from one or more high definition image capture devices deployed in at least one vantage points in relation to the event subject location;

capturing audio data from one or more audio capture device deployed in at least one audio vantage point in relation to the event subject location;

synchronizing and encoding captured data to produce an encoded and synchronized output, wherein the captured data comprises image data from the plurality of arrays of image capture devices and the one or more high definition image capture devices and at least one audio feed from the one or more audio capture device; and

transmitting the encoded and synchronized output.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the method step of muxing one or both the image data and the high definition image data.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the method step of transmitting the muxed image data.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the muxed image data comprises a 360°

view from at least one of the plurality of vantage points.