FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASPEED announces Cupola360 at CES 2019, world’s most advanced Spherical Image Processor for 360-degree Cameras

Six big-pixel sensors, hardware in-camera image stitching, instant live-streaming


December 12th, 2018, Taipei, Taiwan, ASPEED Technology Inc., world-leader in BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) System-on-Chips, is pleased to announce the availability of Cupola360, the Spherical Image Processor. The Cupola360 is a System-on-Chip (SoC) solution designed from the ground up for 360-degree image processing, combining six big-pixel high sensitivity sensors, in-camera hardware stitching (integrated image-stitching logic: Hyper-stitching), 4k 30 fps video, H.265/H.264 encoding, image processing, and healthy software ecosystem. With a focus on using six big-pixel sensors, the Cupola360 reduces the lens-distortion found in traditional solutions that use two fish-eye lenses.

With a keen eye on the ever-growing popularity of online streaming, Cupola360 supports hardware in-camera image stitching and live-streaming of 4K video which allows it to instantly start streaming video online without a tedious set-up process. Additionally, features like face-tracking enable an easy solution for those looking to use the Cupola360 to host live event-streams with a central host.

The Cupola360 Spherical Image Processor is now available for integration in consumer-grade portable devices by partners, ASPEED is looking forward to discussing this during CES 2019.

To experience the Cupola360 Spherical Image Processor please visit us during CES 2019 Venetian Hotel – Venetian suits 30-101 (30th floor) Visit the CES information desk for directions if needed.

360-Degree processor with H.264/H265 encoding

The Cupola360 Spherical Image Processor is the world’s first SoC created specifically for 360-degree images. With the user-experience of amazing image quality comes the extra load of stitching 6 individual images into a single 360-degree image, which the Cupola360 handles by delivering a unique hardware image-stitching technology created by the Cupola360 IC R&D team, this is a unique solution as other 360-degree cameras require additional software to complete stitching operations. The resulting lag-free video is captured and encoded into 4K 30 fps streams with H.264 or H.265 encoding for maximum compatibility and performance.

Advanced 360-Degree Ecosystem

The Cupola360 Spherical Image Processor is supported by a rich software ecosystem, including Android & iOS apps, making integration into camera and drone designs effortless. Integrated into the Cupola360’s design is the idea that everyone wants to share their new images. That is why the Cupola360 allows a user to start a YouTube or Facebook live stream, or upload their 360-degree pictures or videos, without requiring a set-up process before every stream, giving instant access to streaming. Cupola360 can also store all its pictures and video files on SD storage with up to 2 Terabyte of addressable space.

Cupola360 360-Degree camera

A prototype 360-degree camera built around the Cupola360 Spherical Image Processor and demonstrates the benefits that its software ecosystem has to offer. The Cupola360 360-degree camera can create 32 Megapixel (8K) images thanks to its six big-pixel 5MP sensors with 2µm pixel-sensor size, which allows the Cupola360 to also perform well in low-light conditions. By using wide-angle lenses, image-distortion is kept to a minimum, resulting in high-quality images and footage. Equipped with a built-in 3-axis gimbal, the Hyper-Stabilizer, the Cupola360 creates a smooth video, even when on the move. And finally, with app features like facial recognition and tracking, as well as facial blurring for additional privacy protection the Cupola360 integrates some of the hottest features for smart filming. Thanks to the Cupola360 SoC, the 360-degree camera can record for 90 minutes, easily out-lasting many offers currently on the market.

For more information about the Cupola360 handled cameras, visit the Cupola360 website.

About ASPEED Technology Inc.

ASPEED Technology Inc. is a highly innovative fabless IC-design company founded in 2004 and headquartered in Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan. As a pioneer and leader of cutting-edge SoC system solutions with a focus on the niche markets of high-margin products, the company's specialties range from Server Management (BMC) SoC solution, PC/AV extension solution, to the latest Cupola360 360-degree spherical image processor.

ASPEED has been dedicated to developing innovative technologies in order to quickly respond to customer needs, which has made the company a leading provider of innovative SoC system solutions as well as a reliable business partner. ASPEED is currently the world's No. 1 BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) chip provider and has been honored as one of "Forbes Asia's 200 Best Under a Billion" companies in 2014, 2015, and 2018. In 2016, ASPEED acquired Broadcom's Emulex Pilot™ remote server management chip business. For more detailed information, please visit the ASPEED website at www.aspeedtech.com.