Distributed 360-Degree Video Playback Across Multiple Viewing Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of 360-degree video are typically limited to viewing content within the field of view associated with a single playback window and must navigate to see content behind them, lacking an immersive experience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for distributed playback of 360-degree video across multiple viewing windows, where the main viewing window and peripheral windows have adjustable field of view angles, allowing users to view content straight ahead and behind without panning, with the combined field of view capable of being less than or greater than 360 degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single playback window is used for 360-degree video, then the device complexity is low, but the user cannot view content behind them without panning, reducing the immersive experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single playback window into multiple separate viewing windows (main window and peripheral windows), each displaying different field of view angles. This segmentation allows users to simultaneously view content from multiple directions without panning, directly resolving the contradiction by enhancing viewing capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular window management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single two-dimensional viewing window to a multi-dimensional arrangement of windows on the display screen. By positioning windows in different spatial locations (e.g., main window in center, peripheral windows at corners), the system provides multi-directional viewing capability, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the viewing experience without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple viewing windows are used to expand field of view, then the immersive experience is improved, but the user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each viewing window universally controllable through a single set of navigation controls. The same pan, tilt, and zoom operations applied to the main window are automatically applied to all peripheral windows, providing multi-field-of-view coverage while avoiding the complexity of separate control systems for each window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control mechanisms for multiple windows into a unified control system. A single set of navigation controls manages all windows simultaneously, and the windows share common functionality for playback, pausing, and navigation, thereby reducing user interface complexity despite providing expanded field of view coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If peripheral viewing windows are added to show rear content, then the virtual rear-view mirror effect is achieved, but the synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the playback synchronization mechanism into a unified system where a single playback state (playing, paused, seeking) is applied to all windows simultaneously. The main window and peripheral windows are synchronized through shared playback controls, achieving simultaneous multi-directional viewing without the complexity of independent synchronization systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The playback synchronization system serves multiple windows universally through a single control mechanism. When the main window plays or pauses, all peripheral windows automatically follow the same state, providing simultaneous multi-directional viewing with simplified synchronization management rather than individual control for each window.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device for providing distributed playback of 360-degree video in a plurality of viewing windows receives a 360-degree video bitstream. The computing device receives a field of view angle for a main viewing window from a user. A user interface comprising the main viewing window and the plurality of peripheral viewing windows is generated, where the plurality of peripheral viewing windows each have a corresponding field of view angle. The computing device executes distributed playback of the 360-degree video in the main viewing window and the plurality of peripheral viewing windows based on the field of view angles of the main viewing window and the plurality of peripheral viewing windows.