Method and apparatus for producing dynamic imagery in a visual medium
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for producing a composite motion picture image on a stage using live images of characters and set components combined with computer generated images, the method comprising:
- generating a database of computer generated image element signals indicative of computer generated images, each image having a plurality of computer image elements, with a pre-established geometric position relative to one another;
generating a database of computer image element position signals correlating the position of each of the image elements in a stage geometry;
recording character and set image element signals indicative of live character and set component images within the stage geometry, each image having a plurality of character and set image elements;
recording, simultaneously with the live character and set image element signals, character and set position signals which associate a character or set component position with a corresponding position in the stage geometry, generating recording apparatus position signals indicative of the position of a recording apparatus in the stage geometry and optical field signals indicative of the optical field of view of the recording apparatus for the live character and set component images;
generating optical parameter signals corresponding to the optical parameters of the recording apparatus;
modifying the computer image element position signals in dependence on values of the recording apparatus position signals, optical parameter signals and optical field signals;
identifying select ones of the character and set image element signals to be replaced by select ones of the computer generated image element signals in dependence on the computer image element position signals and the character and set position signals;
substituting the identified character and set image element signals with corresponding ones of the computer generated image element signals to form a set of initial composite image signals;
generating in substantially real time an initial composite image of the live character and set component images and the computer generated images from the initial composite image signals; and
presenting, in substantially real time, the initial composite image to a display associated with the recording apparatus.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for producing motion pictures using real time composites of computer generated virtual backgrounds and live foreground images recorded on a sound stage includes camera motion tracking, automated lighting control, on-line editing, and production and asset management to accelerate the pace and reduce the cost of motion picture production.
104 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for producing a composite motion picture image on a stage using live images of characters and set components combined with computer generated images, the method comprising:
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generating a database of computer generated image element signals indicative of computer generated images, each image having a plurality of computer image elements, with a pre-established geometric position relative to one another;
generating a database of computer image element position signals correlating the position of each of the image elements in a stage geometry;
recording character and set image element signals indicative of live character and set component images within the stage geometry, each image having a plurality of character and set image elements;
recording, simultaneously with the live character and set image element signals, character and set position signals which associate a character or set component position with a corresponding position in the stage geometry, generating recording apparatus position signals indicative of the position of a recording apparatus in the stage geometry and optical field signals indicative of the optical field of view of the recording apparatus for the live character and set component images;
generating optical parameter signals corresponding to the optical parameters of the recording apparatus;
modifying the computer image element position signals in dependence on values of the recording apparatus position signals, optical parameter signals and optical field signals;
identifying select ones of the character and set image element signals to be replaced by select ones of the computer generated image element signals in dependence on the computer image element position signals and the character and set position signals;
substituting the identified character and set image element signals with corresponding ones of the computer generated image element signals to form a set of initial composite image signals;
generating in substantially real time an initial composite image of the live character and set component images and the computer generated images from the initial composite image signals; and
presenting, in substantially real time, the initial composite image to a display associated with the recording apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system for producing a composite motion picture image on a stage having a lighting system using live images of characters and set components combined with computer generated images, said system comprising:
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a database of computer generated images, each image having a plurality of image elements with a pre-established geometric position relative to one another;
a database of signals correlating the position of each of said image elements in a stage geometry;
a means for storing said computer image database on a computer system;
apparatus for recording live character and set component images within said stage geometry;
apparatus for recording, simultaneously with said live character and set images, signals which associate a character or set component position with a corresponding position in the stage geometry, apparatus for generating data signals indicative of the position of said recording device in the stage geometry and signals indicative of the optical field of view of said recording device;
apparatus for generating signals corresponding to the optical parameters of said recording device, including values of F-stop and focal length;
apparatus for modifying said computer image elements in dependence on values of said recording device optical parameters and said optical field of view;
apparatus for identifying select ones of said image elements of said live and character set images to be replaced by computer generated image components;
apparatus for substituting said identified computer generated image components for corresponding ones of said live character and set images apparatus for generating in real time an initial composite image of said live character and set image and said computer generated image; and
apparatus for presenting, in real time, said initial composite image to a display associated with said recording device. means for determining and controlling the parameters of said lighting system in dependence on said database of computer generated images. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A recording apparatus and display and associated support system comprising:
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a base engaged with a movable dolly;
a boom arm pivotally mounted to the body;
a jib arm pivotally mounted to a distal end of the boom arm;
a recording apparatus mounting flange pivotally mounted to a distal end of the jib arm;
a counterweight system for counterbalancing the boom arm and jib arm;
a recording apparatus mounted to the recording apparatus mounting flange, the recording apparatus recording live character and set component images; and
a display disposed proximate to the recording apparatus, the display presenting substantially real time generated initial composite images indicative of the live character and set component images and computer generated images. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A recording apparatus support system comprising
a base including a body rotatably mounted to a movable dolly; -
a boom arm pivotally mounted to the body;
a jib arm pivotally mounted to a distal end of the boom arm;
a recording apparatus mounting flange pivotally mounted to a distal end of the jib arm;
a recording apparatus mounted to the recording apparatus mounting flange;
a display disposed proximate to the recording apparatus; and
a counterweight system for counterbalancing the boom arm and jib arm;
wherein the counterweight system provides substantially weightless movement of the recording apparatus and display by an operator. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification