The Motion Pictures Experts Group (MPEG), during its process of standardization, routinely conducts experiments to explore new technologies and to verify technologies that are introduced into a standard. The Video sub-group (WG04) also follows the same process. Experiments are performed on suitable video test material relevant to the experiment, where the test material are sourced from MPEG members and non-members alike. Without good test material, the outcomes of experiments could lead to inaccurate conclusions.
Currently, WG04, as part of its exploration activities, is performing experimentation on 6-DoF immersive video coding. In this activity, a three dimensional scene that is captured by numerous cameras (camera rig) is analysed and encoded. The arrangment of the cameras that capture the scene may have any arragement (regular/irregular). There is also no limitation placed on the inter-camera baseline distances; it may be narrow or wide. Each camera in the camera rig provides its captured videos in a known projection format, e.g. perspective or equirectangular.
While conducting exploration experiments on the above-listed topics, WG04 has realized that there is a dire need for more and appropriate test materials, especially omnidirectional (360 degree) 6DoF video content. There is also an immediate need for content that is captured/synthesized using non-planar rigs. Therefore, WG04 solicits new test materials from contributors. The call [1] describes the characteristics of test materials solicited, their formatting, and the process of contribution are described.
[1] Call for MPEG immersive video test materials, ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 29/WG 04 N 0204, April 2022, Online.