Methods and apparatus for streaming content

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for streaming content corresponding to a 360 degree field of view are described. The methods and apparatus of the present invention are well suited for use with 3D immersion systems and/or head mounted display which allow a user to turn his or her head and see a corresponding scene portion. The methods and apparatus can support real or near real time streaming of 3D image content corresponding to a 360 degree field of view.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method of delivering content corresponding to a 360 degree scene, the method comprising:
 partitioning said 360 degree scene into a plurality of N portions;   determining a current viewing angle of a user; and   determining which of said N portions to stream to a playback device corresponding to said user during a first time interval based on the current viewing angle of said user.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein
 determining which of said N portions to stream to a playback device corresponding to said user during a time interval based on the current viewing angle of said user includes:   selecting at least two different portions of said 360 degree scene to be streamed to said user during said first time interval.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein determining which of said N portions to stream to a playback device corresponding to said user during a time interval based on the current viewing angle of said user includes:
 determining a number of different portions to stream based on a data rate available for streaming content to the user.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein selecting at least two different portions of said 360 degree scene to be streamed to said user during said first time interval includes:
 selecting a first scene portion to which said current viewing angle corresponds; and   selecting a second scene portion which is directly adjacent said first scene portion.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said second scene portion is selected as a function of the viewing angle, said second scene portion being a scene portion adjacent said first scene portion which is closest to the angle within said first scene portion indicated by said viewing angle.