5 Real-Time video Stitching Tools
Published on 23 November 15
James1
Video stitching is the process of combining multiple videos with overlapping fields of view to produce a segmented panorama video in one screen. Commonly performed through the use of computer software, most approaches to video stitching require nearly exact overlaps between videos and identical exposures to produce seamless results. Also, some stitching algorithms actually benefit from differently exposed images by doing HDR (High Dynamic Range) video taking in regions of overlap.
As a matter of fact, Video Stitching has already been used by many for different purposes from amateur videography to military surveillance.
Here are the top 5 applications of video stitching.
Here are the top 5 applications of video stitching.
VideoStitch
VideoStitch, the leading European start-up offering Virtual Reality video production solutions, is adamant in developing their solution to create Live 3D 360-degree videos.
VideoStitch’s software takes multiple cameras and creates a single high-resolution panoramic video in real-time, covering up to 360 degrees, with no blind spot.
One of its finest products to date is Vahana VR, the world’s first versatile 360 3D degrees video production solution. Producers and broadcasters are now able to stream live action content directly into virtual reality headsets (Oculus VR, Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard) or deliver second-screen experiences.
The technology will also be added to VideoStitch Studio to post-produce 360-° 3D videos with real-time preview of the stitched output as well.
VideoStitch’s software takes multiple cameras and creates a single high-resolution panoramic video in real-time, covering up to 360 degrees, with no blind spot.
One of its finest products to date is Vahana VR, the world’s first versatile 360 3D degrees video production solution. Producers and broadcasters are now able to stream live action content directly into virtual reality headsets (Oculus VR, Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard) or deliver second-screen experiences.
The technology will also be added to VideoStitch Studio to post-produce 360-° 3D videos with real-time preview of the stitched output as well.
Kolor
Founded in 2004 by Alexandre Jenny and Lionel Laissus, Kolor was the first company to perceive the potential of technology in the identification of interest points in an image, and created what would become the reference software in image stitching: Autopano. A decade later, Kolor has introduced to the world the most widely used video-stitching software.
The company’s mantra is for its video- stitching software is called Stitch and create 360-° videos automatically.
One of its key features includes Autopano Video which is a video-stitching software that lets you assemble multiple videos into a single shot that covers up to 360×180-°.
How you stitch videos is simply by:
1. Record
The easiest way to record 360-° videos is to use a manufactured 360-° mount (or rig) on which you can install several GoPro cameras.
2. Stitch
Kolor Autopano Video lets you assemble several videos into a single one covering up to 360 x 180 degrees.
3. Publish
Publish on the web and share. Kolor Eyes Player (Desktop/mobiles/hosting) makes your video come to life: Turn at 360 degrees, zoom in and out, look at what is taking place in the whole 360 scene.
Another feature of Kolor is that it allows users to use a panoramic head to shoot the whole sphere from the exact same point, enabling you to create quality virtual tours by taking videos from a camera mounted on a special panoramic head. Afterwards, you can then Stitch your videos in Kolor Autopano software and get a 360-degree video.
The company’s mantra is for its video- stitching software is called Stitch and create 360-° videos automatically.
One of its key features includes Autopano Video which is a video-stitching software that lets you assemble multiple videos into a single shot that covers up to 360×180-°.
How you stitch videos is simply by:
1. Record
The easiest way to record 360-° videos is to use a manufactured 360-° mount (or rig) on which you can install several GoPro cameras.
2. Stitch
Kolor Autopano Video lets you assemble several videos into a single one covering up to 360 x 180 degrees.
3. Publish
Publish on the web and share. Kolor Eyes Player (Desktop/mobiles/hosting) makes your video come to life: Turn at 360 degrees, zoom in and out, look at what is taking place in the whole 360 scene.
Another feature of Kolor is that it allows users to use a panoramic head to shoot the whole sphere from the exact same point, enabling you to create quality virtual tours by taking videos from a camera mounted on a special panoramic head. Afterwards, you can then Stitch your videos in Kolor Autopano software and get a 360-degree video.
SkyStitch
In Singapore, a student from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has designed and executed a revolutionary prototype called SkyStitch, a high-definition (HD) video surveillance system that has cameras being carried and flown in the air by quadcopters (Mini helicopter drones) that encompass real-time video stitching.
In essence, SkyStitch stitches together multiple video streams from its quadcopters to create one combined live video feed.
SkyStitch is particularly suitable for aerial video surveillance applications that require a large field of view and high resolution.
For instance, during search-and-rescue missions, SkyStitch could provide high-resolution panoramic video stream to guide ground emergency personnel searches.
The creator of SkyStitch, Mr Meng Xiangyun, made the system to be a platform for aerial video surveillance applications that makes use of a wide angle of view in high def resolution.
Even at the prototype stage, the SkyStitch is able to stitch 12 HD video frames together within 50 milliseconds and support a video frame rate of 20 frames per second and the market value for such systems will hit $2.3 billion in the near future.
In essence, SkyStitch stitches together multiple video streams from its quadcopters to create one combined live video feed.
SkyStitch is particularly suitable for aerial video surveillance applications that require a large field of view and high resolution.
For instance, during search-and-rescue missions, SkyStitch could provide high-resolution panoramic video stream to guide ground emergency personnel searches.
The creator of SkyStitch, Mr Meng Xiangyun, made the system to be a platform for aerial video surveillance applications that makes use of a wide angle of view in high def resolution.
Even at the prototype stage, the SkyStitch is able to stitch 12 HD video frames together within 50 milliseconds and support a video frame rate of 20 frames per second and the market value for such systems will hit $2.3 billion in the near future.
Video stitching for the U.S Army
Experts from the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command's communications-electronics center, or CERDEC for short have elevated its surveillance system through video stitching technology.
The system, called Reduced Manning Situational Awareness or RMSA for short uses a series of stacked visible-spectrum and infrared cameras to provide 180 degrees of persistent video surveillance, where the system stitches together video feed from each camera, creating a seamless, panoramic video image.
When RMSA detects movement, red boxes pop up on the monitoring screens, tracking the movement and allowing the operator to zoom toward the targets. The algorithms used to detect movement can be tailored to the environment in which the video stitching system is being used to form a composite video.
As of now, the platforms for the RMSA video stitching and tracking technologies can be modified and are customizable based on the user's needs.
The system, called Reduced Manning Situational Awareness or RMSA for short uses a series of stacked visible-spectrum and infrared cameras to provide 180 degrees of persistent video surveillance, where the system stitches together video feed from each camera, creating a seamless, panoramic video image.
When RMSA detects movement, red boxes pop up on the monitoring screens, tracking the movement and allowing the operator to zoom toward the targets. The algorithms used to detect movement can be tailored to the environment in which the video stitching system is being used to form a composite video.
As of now, the platforms for the RMSA video stitching and tracking technologies can be modified and are customizable based on the user's needs.
Video Stitching on IC Real Tech’s new Allie Pro
The Allie Pro Home looks sleek and elegant to match your interior decor, and because of video stitching technology, the new Allie camera from IC Real Tech can turn two 360-degree camera feeds into whichever direction you prefer. As such, you can control the perspective in recorded videos, or even stream live footage. Unlike professional virtual reality cameras which are too big or expensive for consumer use, the Allie Pro is just nice for you.
Conclusion: Currently, Video Stitching technology sure has its applications where it can be used for search and rescue missions, Video Surveillance purposes, monitoring of civil unrest on the streets and live telecast of sporting events.
However, it does encounter several issues at the moment that are present in Video Stitching software.
Hugin, similar to the software used for SkyStitch, is a well known Stitching Programme that is very slow in merging videos together due to its current algorithm method; as such it takes seconds to stitch images or video frames together.
Also dynamic video stitching is problematic as it is prone to distortions. Hence, alternative solutions are in place to correct the stitching with temporal correlation between the video frames.
The last issue which is the arguably the bane of Video Stitching technology are Wireless networking. As of now, trials for new algorithm are in place to develop a more effective aerial- mesh network which would power stronger communication bandwidth between the UAVs and the ground station.
With that being said, do leave a comment below if you have something interesting to share on Video Stitching technology.
However, it does encounter several issues at the moment that are present in Video Stitching software.
Hugin, similar to the software used for SkyStitch, is a well known Stitching Programme that is very slow in merging videos together due to its current algorithm method; as such it takes seconds to stitch images or video frames together.
Also dynamic video stitching is problematic as it is prone to distortions. Hence, alternative solutions are in place to correct the stitching with temporal correlation between the video frames.
The last issue which is the arguably the bane of Video Stitching technology are Wireless networking. As of now, trials for new algorithm are in place to develop a more effective aerial- mesh network which would power stronger communication bandwidth between the UAVs and the ground station.
With that being said, do leave a comment below if you have something interesting to share on Video Stitching technology.
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The video stitching tool actually helps us better manage our files, especially the movies in the same series. I sometimes use Joyoshare Video Joiner from https://www.joyoshare.com/video-joiner/ to combine my favorite movies in the same format together with lossless output quality. Also, its combining speed can reach 60X fast, which satisfies me. I'll check your shared tools later too.