Efficient Implementation and Processing of a Real-time Panorama Video Pipeline

High resolution, wide field of view video generated from multiple camera feeds has many use cases. However, processing the different steps of a panorama video pipeline in real-time is challenging due to the high data rates and the stringent requirements of timeliness. We use panorama video in a sport analysis system where video events must be generated in real-time. In this respect, we present a system for real-time panorama video generation from an array of low-cost CCD HD video cameras. We describe how we have implemented different components and evaluated alternatives. We also present performance results with and without coprocessors like graphics processing units (GPUs), and we evaluate each individual component and show how the entire pipeline is able to run in real-time on commodity hardware.