WO1997014253A1 - Apparatus and method for generating synthetic and absolute real time environments - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for generating synthetic and absolute real time environments Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997014253A1 WO1997014253A1 PCT/US1996/016386 US9616386W WO9714253A1 WO 1997014253 A1 WO1997014253 A1 WO 1997014253A1 US 9616386 W US9616386 W US 9616386W WO 9714253 A1 WO9714253 A1 WO 9714253A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- camera
- real environment
- signal
- transmitters
- location
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/222—Studio circuitry; Studio devices; Studio equipment
- H04N5/2224—Studio circuitry; Studio devices; Studio equipment related to virtual studio applications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/222—Studio circuitry; Studio devices; Studio equipment
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/222—Studio circuitry; Studio devices; Studio equipment
- H04N5/262—Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects ; Cameras specially adapted for the electronic generation of special effects
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/18—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
- H04N7/181—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to cycloramas used in the fields of photography and video to provide a horizon-less backdrop for the images being produced and more particularly to a method and apparatus for seaming together synthetic and real images within a cyclorama environment.
- the use of computer-generated images to create synthetic environments has dramatically increased in recent years.
- the movie and video industry has achieved heretofore impossible depictions and presentations of real and imaginary characters in synthetic environments, adding tremendously to the entertainment value of their products. Advertisers now realize the significant impact on consumers which can be achieved by the use of synthetic environments as settings for the delivery of their commercial messages.
- Television studios routinely use computers in conjunction with their camera equipment to generate composite real-time images for broadcast.
- Computerized compositing camera equipment is used to create a synthetic environment as a backdrop for subjects in a studio. Computerized compositing camera equipment can also be used to display the real-time image of a distant person or event on a synthesized screen to achieve the appearance of an interactive "teleconference" which is taking place in the studio. Computerized compositing camera equipment is commonly used in the creation of the ubiquitous weather report and forecast wherein the real-time image of the weather reporter is displayed along with stationary or dynamic satellite images of the earth and its weather systems of interest, or with some other form of "weather map” or graphic. The camera is used to capture the image of the reporter (foreground image); and the maps and graphics (background images), which are stored as computer data files. The foreground image is generated and layered onto the background image by a process known in the art a "compositing".
- One such video compositing tool is the Ultimatte-7 produced by Ultimatte Corporation of Chatsworth, California.
- the technology for generating synthetic environments can permit a person to become part of, and interact with, a synthetic environment.
- the ability to generate an interactive synthetic environment, or a "virtual reality”, offers limitless opportunities for education and entertainment.
- a synthetic environment requires a horizonless chamber as either a medium onto which synthetic images can be projected, or as a featureless background to allow the image of a character or actor to be isolated and captured.
- a structure commonly referred to as a "cyclorama”
- cyclorama can be constructed as a permanent studio, or alternatively, can be a structure assembled within a larger space. I earlier described a freestanding cyclorama in U.S. Patent No. 4,893,477, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,255,211 discloses a method and apparatus for generating a synthetic environment which employs infra-red sources and sensors or video receivers mounted on the interior of a chamber wall to determine the location of a user in the chamber.
- the need to mount the detection devices on the interior surface of the cyclorama wall necessarily disrupts the horizonless, featureless appearance ofthe cyclorama, and is at best a less than ideal compromise.
- the present invention is embodied in a cyclorama comprising a horizonless, featureless inner surface, a camera or projector
- the means for determining the translational position of the camera includes at least one, and preferably five transmitters mounted on the exterior of the cyclorama at predetermined locations.
- the transmitters are configured to transmit a beam of electromagnetic radiation, preferably RF radiation, through the cyclorama wall.
- the camera includes one receptor corresponding to each external transmitter which detects the electromagnetic radiation therefrom, and which generates a data output from which the three-dimensional angular displacement of the receptor (and therefore the camera) relative to the external transmitter.
- a single receptor detects the transmissions from a plurality of transmitters.
- the camera or projector also includes a processor for receiving and compiling the angular displacement data from each receptor, and for using that data, along with the data describing the predetermined location of each transmitter, to precisely determine the location of the camera within the cyclorama. The precise location of the camera within the cyclorama is then transmitted to a location for use in generating the synthetic environment or composited image.
- the cyclorama includes means for externally mounting the RF transmitters at any of a plurality of locations on the exterior of the cyclorama.
- the cyclorama comprises a plurality of preformed, abutting panels mounted on an external framework.
- the external framework includes numerous predetermined mounting points for transmitters, and provides for the mounting of a transmitter at positions other than those predetermined locations if required.
- the entire cyclorama and external framework is constructed of non- ferrous and non-magnetic materials. Only in this way can distortion- inducing interaction between the transmitted electromagnetic radiation and the cyclorama be minimized.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cyclorama with the cove sections shown outlined for purposes of illustration only;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a floor-to- wall or floor cove with fragments broken away for purposes of illustration;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the floor cove shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1 and showing abutting side flanges and overlying material;
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 and showing a ceiling cove
- FIG. 8 is a front elevational view ofthe ceiling cove shown in FIG. 7 but removed from supporting structure;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a corner cove;
- FIG. 10 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cyclorama showing transmitters mounted on the exterior thereof.
- FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the cyclorama of FIG. 11.
- the reference numeral 1 indicates a subject being photographed or video taped or otherwise reduced to an image by use of a camera at 2.
- a floor is at F and a ceiling is at C.
- Cycloramas serve to provide a background or backdrop for the subject being photographed which appears in the photo or other image rendered as an uninterrupted expanse.
- a lower or floor cove of the present cyclorama is indicated generally at 3 and is comprised of a molded curved sheet 4, preferably of resin reinforced fiberglass, and having an upper edge 5 and a lower edge 6 parallel to one another. Side edges at 7 and 8 are curved through approximately a 90 degree arc. Side flanges are indicated at 9 and 10 each being integral with a side edge.
- Floor cove 3 includes an upper flange 13 integral with cove upper edge 5.
- sheet 4 is of increased section at 14 along its lower margin which terminates in lower edge 6.
- the increased section or thickness of lower portion 14 serves to reinforce the sheet adjacent a floor surface at F and also enables the use of a fillet 15 to continue the cove arc for mergence with the floor surface.
- Edge 6 rests on floor surface F by reason of side flanges 9 and 10 being beveled at 9A and terminating in an offset manner from edge 6.
- the side flanges, as well as upper flange 15, define spaced apart apertures to receive fasteners joining the floor cove side flanges of adjacent coves and the upper edge flange of the cove to a supporting structure such as wall structure at W.
- a ceiling cove is indicated generally at 20 and includes a curved sheet 21 having side edges 22 and 23 provided with curved side flanges 24 and 25.
- the ceiling cove is provided with recessed curved marginal side areas at 26 and 27 to receive material overlying the marginal areas and the abutting side edges of adjacent ceiling coves to conceal said edge.
- Upper and lower flanges 30 and 31 are integral with upper and lower edges 28 and 29 of the ceiling cove.
- a corner cove structure generally at 32 utilizes upper and lower coves of substantially identical construction curved along two axes through 90 degrees. As the upper and lower corner coves are almost identical, the following description of one is believed sufficient.
- the lower corner cove 32 includes a molded sheet 33, preferably of fiberglass, ABS, or molded polymeric material, having curved side edges at 34 and 35 integral with which are side flanges 36 and 37.
- a horizontal edge 38 carries a horizontal flange 39.
- the bottom apex of a lower cove is in the shape of an edge formed at 41 on a radius of about four inches or so and is of a thickness at 40 greater than the remainder of the cove to receive an anchoring or fastening device.
- the flanges 36, 37 and 39 are apertured at intervals to receive fasteners.
- An upright corner cove is indicated generally at 43 and may be a ceiling cove 20 rotated through 90 degrees so as to reorientate same to the vertical whereat its side flanges 24 and 25 will abut the horizontal flanges 39 of the upper and lower corner coves. Upon such reorientation, the flanges 30 and 31 ofthe ceiling cove will each abut wall structure W.
- the wall components W would be wallboard or the like supported by wall studs 45.
- a horizontal stringer 46 provides a horizontal surface on its underside to which is attached the upper flange 13 of each floor cove.
- Ceiling coves 20 are attached to the wall components in a similar fashion with a second stringer at 47 serving to receive flange 31 of said ceiling coves.
- the latter are offset somewhat inwardly from the surface ofthe wall component to permit a quantity of plaster or the like to conceal the interface between cove and wall component.
- the wall component may be slightly recessed along its upper and lower edges to receive the plaster and provide a smooth surface.
- the interface or joints between the side flanges ofthe corner coves and the side flanges of the floor and ceiling coves are concealed by the application of plaster or the like which occupies the side marginal areas 11-12 and 26-27 of the floor and ceiling coves and extends over the joint and merges with the curved surface of the floor and ceiling corner coves in a feather- edged manner.
- the surface ofthe cyclorama is characterized by being continuous without irregularities or interruption which would cause shadows to appear to destroy the desired image of infinity behind the subject being photographed or filmed.
- the surface could, if required, be coated with a masking paint such as that manufactured by Ultimatte® or Chromeakey® .
- FIG. 1 shows the cove components visible, it will be understood that all joints in the cyclorama will be concealed.
- the lower corner coves 32 by reason of being of increased thickness at 40, as well as lower portion 14 of lower coves 3, permit anchoring devices to be recessed therein.
- the floor and ceiling coves may be used mdependently, that is, a series of lower coves alone or lower and upper coves with corner coves at the intersection of wall components depending on the size ofthe cyclorama.
- Framework 50 includes upright 52, base 54, angled support 56, and connectors 58 and nut and bolt assemblies 60 for attaching the cyclorama panels to the framework.
- Uprights 52 include a plurality of preformed holes for use in mounting transmitters 62 outside the walls ofthe cyclorama, which are preferably made from ABS or fiberglass.
- Transmitter 62 emits an electromagnetic radiation, preferably an RF frequency, although a spread frequency could also be employed.
- the signal is transmitted through the cyclorama panels. In this way, the visual integrity of the cyclorama inner surface is maintained.
- five RF transmitters are mounted on a rectilinear framework which is used to support a generally rectilinear cyclorama.
- One transmitter 62 is positioned outside each vertical wall W, and one (not shown) above the ceiling.
- a camera 2 is movably located within the cyclorama. More or fewer transmitters can be employed if preferred.
- the transmitters are placed in known locations far above the camera and cyclorama, for instance the upper corners of a studio. In this way, three transmitters can be used to pinpoint the precise spacial location of the camera since three transmitters yields a solution for two possible locations, one above the transmitters and one below, with the logical elimination of the point located above the transmitters.
- the present invention is equally applicable for precisely determining the location of a movable projector or a head-mounted display unit for use in a virtual reality system.
- the camera is equipped with one or more RF receivers, each of which is capable of determining and conveying the relative position of a remote RF transmitter in terms of three-dimensional angular data.
- Such equipment is commonly used in global positioning and navigational systems wherein one or more receivers identify the positions of one or several transmitting satellites.
- a processing unit uses the satellite location data to determine one's geographical position with a high degree of accuracy.
- each transmitter is determined relative to a fixed point within the cyclorama, preferably the centerpoint of the cyclorama.
- This "absolute transmitter location data" is stored as a data file which can be accessed by a position processing unit such as a PC or other micro-processor based device.
- One or more RF antennae or receivers are mounted on or immediately adjacent the camera assembly, and receive the RF transmission from a transmitter outside the cyclorama, and determine the precise location of each transmitter relative to the camera as a three-dimensional angular displacement (relative transmitter location).
- Antennae and receivers such as those used for global positioning systems, available from HMorrow, Inc.
- Relative transmitter location data is gathered for each transmitter and is transmitted to the camera position processing unit (CPPU).
- the CPPU accesses the absolute transmitter location data file and, using the relative transmitter location data, calculates the precise camera location within the cyclorama relative to the centerpoint of the cyclorama.
- the camera position data is then transmitted to a processing unit or graphics computer for use in creating a dynamic synthetic image for subsequent transmission or display according to well-known principles.
- Pan and tilt parameters can be determined relative to a known location and calibration point (determined by the above method) to determine the direction in which the camera is pointing. Additionally, zoom and focus parameters can be detemined. These parameters are gathered using mount systems such as those available from Ultimatte®, Vinten®, or Rademec®. This information is then transmitted to a receiver linked to the camera position processing means for generation of the dynamic synthetic image.
- ferrous or other magnetic materials in the cyclorama or framework introduces distortions in the RF fields generated by the transmitters, and thereby introduces small, but significant errors in the relative transmitter location data provided by the RF receivers. These errors can manifest as offset or overlap errors in a composited image.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP96936432A EP0860083A4 (en) | 1995-10-10 | 1996-10-10 | Apparatus and method for generating synthetic and absolute real time environments |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US496895P | 1995-10-10 | 1995-10-10 | |
US60/004,968 | 1995-10-10 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO1997014253A1 true WO1997014253A1 (en) | 1997-04-17 |
Family
ID=21713452
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1996/016386 WO1997014253A1 (en) | 1995-10-10 | 1996-10-10 | Apparatus and method for generating synthetic and absolute real time environments |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP0860083A4 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997014253A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1999043150A1 (en) * | 1998-02-18 | 1999-08-26 | Gmd - Forschungszentrum Informationstechnik Gmbh | Camera tracking system for a virtual television or video studio |
WO2002007430A1 (en) * | 2000-07-14 | 2002-01-24 | Spotzoom As | Camera-tracking system and method |
WO2016134322A1 (en) * | 2015-02-20 | 2016-08-25 | Frederick William Von Tagen And Denise M.Vontagen, Trustees Of The Frederick W. Von Tagen Trust, Dated March 29, 1994 | Cyclorama |
US10221566B2 (en) | 2015-02-20 | 2019-03-05 | Frederick William von Tagen and Denise M. von Tagen | Cyclorama |
US11952786B1 (en) * | 2023-04-03 | 2024-04-09 | CALLMyDRIVER, Inc. | Systems and methods for coving a faceted room |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4893447A (en) * | 1988-02-01 | 1990-01-16 | Opp Ronald E | Cyclorama construction |
US5130794A (en) * | 1990-03-29 | 1992-07-14 | Ritchey Kurtis J | Panoramic display system |
US5444478A (en) * | 1992-12-29 | 1995-08-22 | U.S. Philips Corporation | Image processing method and device for constructing an image from adjacent images |
US5448287A (en) * | 1993-05-03 | 1995-09-05 | Hull; Andrea S. | Spatial video display system |
-
1996
- 1996-10-10 EP EP96936432A patent/EP0860083A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1996-10-10 WO PCT/US1996/016386 patent/WO1997014253A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4893447A (en) * | 1988-02-01 | 1990-01-16 | Opp Ronald E | Cyclorama construction |
US5130794A (en) * | 1990-03-29 | 1992-07-14 | Ritchey Kurtis J | Panoramic display system |
US5444478A (en) * | 1992-12-29 | 1995-08-22 | U.S. Philips Corporation | Image processing method and device for constructing an image from adjacent images |
US5448287A (en) * | 1993-05-03 | 1995-09-05 | Hull; Andrea S. | Spatial video display system |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of EP0860083A4 * |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1999043150A1 (en) * | 1998-02-18 | 1999-08-26 | Gmd - Forschungszentrum Informationstechnik Gmbh | Camera tracking system for a virtual television or video studio |
US6856935B1 (en) | 1998-02-18 | 2005-02-15 | Gmd-Forschungszentrum Informationstechnik Gmbh | Camera tracking system for a virtual television or video studio |
WO2002007430A1 (en) * | 2000-07-14 | 2002-01-24 | Spotzoom As | Camera-tracking system and method |
WO2016134322A1 (en) * | 2015-02-20 | 2016-08-25 | Frederick William Von Tagen And Denise M.Vontagen, Trustees Of The Frederick W. Von Tagen Trust, Dated March 29, 1994 | Cyclorama |
US10221566B2 (en) | 2015-02-20 | 2019-03-05 | Frederick William von Tagen and Denise M. von Tagen | Cyclorama |
US10599011B2 (en) | 2015-02-20 | 2020-03-24 | Frederick William von Tagen | Cyclorama |
US11952786B1 (en) * | 2023-04-03 | 2024-04-09 | CALLMyDRIVER, Inc. | Systems and methods for coving a faceted room |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0860083A4 (en) | 1998-12-02 |
EP0860083A1 (en) | 1998-08-26 |
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