WO2014154303A1 - Objets à photographier supportés par un support éclairé - Google Patents

Objets à photographier supportés par un support éclairé Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2014154303A1
WO2014154303A1 PCT/EP2013/056807 EP2013056807W WO2014154303A1 WO 2014154303 A1 WO2014154303 A1 WO 2014154303A1 EP 2013056807 W EP2013056807 W EP 2013056807W WO 2014154303 A1 WO2014154303 A1 WO 2014154303A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support
light source
camera
light
dolly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2013/056807
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Anders Patrick JØRGENSEN
Gerwin DE HAAN
Robert Hugo Sluijter
Original Assignee
Visual Retailing Holding B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Visual Retailing Holding B.V. filed Critical Visual Retailing Holding B.V.
Priority to PCT/EP2013/056807 priority Critical patent/WO2014154303A1/fr
Publication of WO2014154303A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014154303A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B15/00—Special procedures for taking photographs; Apparatus therefor
    • G03B15/02—Illuminating scene
    • G03B15/06—Special arrangements of screening, diffusing, or reflecting devices, e.g. in studio
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02—Heads
    • F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
    • F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
    • F16M11/08—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a vertical axis, e.g. panoramic heads
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/42—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters with arrangement for propelling the support stands on wheels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
    • F16M13/02—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
    • F16M13/022—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle repositionable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F8/00—Dummies, busts or the like, e.g. for displaying garments

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to photographing objects, particularly suitable for photographing fashion related products such as apparel products, fashion accessories or other life style products. More specifically, the invention relates to a support for supporting an object to be photographed by a camera, a support arrangement, an imaging apparatus for photographing an object by a camera and a method of photographing an object by a camera in an imaging apparatus.
  • Digital images are made up of a number of channels, usually red, green and blue in digital photography. These red, green and blue channels combine to produce a full-color RGB image.
  • An image of an object wherein the visible background is removed is called a background separated image. The object is separated from its background by making the background
  • Alpha channels are masks through which digital images can be displayed.
  • the alpha channel is e.g. an 8-bit channel, in which case it can have 256' levels of gray from 0 (black) to 255 (white) .
  • White pixels define the area in the image that is to remain visible.
  • Black defines the area in the image that is to be transparent.
  • the level of gray in between determines the level of visibility, also known as opacity. For example, 50 percent gray allows for 50 percent visibility.
  • Alpha channels are typically used with full-color RGB images.
  • the resulting background separated image is a RGBA image, i.e. RGB+A, wherein ⁇ ⁇ ' means alpha channel.
  • Images of fashion related products are typically used in advertisements, catalogs and online shops for promotion and sales purposes. It is preferred to use high quality images to give potential customers a good impression of the products.
  • Attributes of high quality images of fashion related products include excellent image details, clear product edges and the absence of a visible background.
  • the absence of the visible background allows the image to be superimposed on any existing digital image, while retaining texture and fabric details of the photographed product .
  • a mannequin may be used to display the fashion related products as if being worn by a human.
  • the mannequin typically includes a torso and may include legs and arms. If only the fashion related product is to be shown in the digital image, then the mannequin typically includes a torso only, which is being supported by a fixture. The fixture is to be removed from the digital image, which typically involves manual editing of the digital image.
  • photography studios are used to achieve high quality images.
  • the photography studio employs specialists who are experts in generating high quality images of objects, such as apparel products.
  • the specialist Before taking a picture the specialist carefully positions the product in front of the camera and adjusts the lighting.
  • the digital image After taking the picture, the digital image is manually manipulated by clicking along segments of the edges of an object depicting the product on a computer screen to define an outline of the object so that the object can be separated from its background and the fixture can be removed.
  • Manual graphic editing tools are used to separate the object from its background and possibly to further enhance the image. This process of photographing is often time-consuming and
  • the invention provides a support, a support arrangement and an imaging apparatus including a support arrangement for photographing objects that are supported by the support,
  • a support for supporting an object to be photographed by a camera.
  • the support can comprise a first elongated member configured to support the object at one end of the first member.
  • the support can further comprise a second elongated member covering a first side of the first member in longitudinal direction.
  • the support can further comprise a first light source to pass light into and along the second member allowing the second member to evenly emit light in the direction of the camera.
  • the first light source can be controllable by a computer to enable the second member as seen by the camera to visually blend into a backplane comprising a back lighting system located behind the support as seen from the camera when the first light source and the back lighting system are activated.
  • the support can be illuminated such that, from the viewpoint of the camera, it appears to blend into the backplane.
  • Parts of the support that may still be visible in the digital image can be removed by post processing the image using image processing software .
  • a first surface part of the second member in longitudinal direction can be located in a first plane substantially parallel to the first member and facing away from the first member.
  • the first surface part can be substantially flat .
  • the flat surface evenly reflects and diffuses light from external light sources or ambient light and eliminates irregular reflections that could result in artifacts in the digital image where the support was located.
  • a second surface part and a third surface part of the second member in longitudinal direction can be located at a first edge and a second edge of the first surface part, respectively.
  • the first edge and the second edge can be rounded.
  • the rounded edges eliminate irregular reflections at the edges that could result in artifacts in the digital image where the support is located.
  • the surface parts of the second member can be finished, e.g. satin-finished, matte-finished or frosted- finished, .to diminish reflections from external or ambient light sources .
  • the first member in cross section has a first length in perpendicular direction from the second member and a first width.
  • the second member has a second width larger than the first width.
  • the second width can extend the first width at least at one side of the first member by at least a minimum protrusion width.
  • the minimum protrusion width can be dimensioned such that a tangent line defined by a line-of-sight from the camera to the second member intersects the first member at the first length from the second member.
  • the support can further comprise a third elongated member covering a second side of the first member in longitudinal direction opposite of the first side.
  • the support can further comprise a second light source to pass light into and along the third member allowing the third member to evenly emit light in the direction of the camera.
  • the support can have a lighting element at two opposite sides of the support, enabling the support (and the object) to be photographed from two sides.
  • the shape of third and second member is such that seeing a bit of the member facing away from the camera still gives the right result, i.e. both the second and the third member visible to the camera may be removed from the digital image, due to the shape of the edge.
  • the light source can be further controllable by the computer to adjust the light emitted at segments of the second member.
  • the second member may be divided in two or more segments, which segments can be individually controlled.
  • the support can further comprise one or more light sensors for detecting if and where the object at least partially overlaps the support when seen from the camera.
  • the light source can be further controllable by the computer to adjust the light emitted at the part of the second member where the object overlaps the support.
  • the light sensors may be used to detect that the object is (partially) covering the support. Furthermore it may be detected by software looking through the camera which part of the support is covered. Illumination of the parts of the second member that are covered by the object may then be controlled by the embedded system, e.g. by selectively turning on or off one or more LEDs in an array of LEDs or dimming one or more LEDs in the array of LEDs. As a result it may be avoided that the object is irregularly lighted by the second member from the inside where it covers the support.
  • the support arrangement can comprise one or more supports as described above.
  • the support arrangement can comprise of a base for holding the one or more supports in a substantially vertical orientation.
  • the support can be used vertically to support and photograph an object, such as a mannequin torso used for
  • the support arrangement can further comprise a dolly, preferably a movable dolly, that is detachably fixed to the base.
  • the dolly enables the support arrangement to be placed in the imaging apparatus and possibly to be moved. Furthermore the dolly can be docket to a backplane in the main imaging apparatus for stability of the support arrangement and for providing a power and/or data connection to the support
  • the base can be fixed or rotatably fixed to the dolly allowing the base, including the one or more supports, to be rotated along the z-axis into two or more positions on the dolly.
  • the support arrangement may e.g. be rotated 180 degrees to enable the object to be photographed from two sides. Other angles are possible to get different perspective views of the object in the digital image. It is possible that the base is fixed to the dolly, i.e. not rotatable.
  • the dolly can further comprise a connector for making an electrical connection to a power source and/or a data connection to the computer via a socket in the backplane.
  • the first light source and the second light source can be electrically connectable to the power source via the dolly .
  • an imaging apparatus for photographing an object by a camera.
  • the imaging apparatus can comprise a support arrangement as described above for supporting the object.
  • the imaging apparatus can further comprise a substantially vertical backplane for locking the dolly in place and electrically connecting the dolly to the power source, wherein the back plane comprises a
  • the imaging apparatus can further comprise an embedded system comprising a computer.
  • the computer can be configured to control the camera, switch the backlighting system, switch the first light source and, if available, switch the second light source. The first light source and, if
  • the second light source can be controllable by the computer to enable a second member of a support in the support arrangement as seen by the camera to visually blend into the backplane comprising the back lighting system located behind the support as seen from the camera when the first light source, if available the second light source and the back lighting system are activated.
  • the switching of the backlighting system may include dimming and/or controlling luminosity.
  • the imaging apparatus advantageously provides a full system for photographing objects that are supported by a support having the above identified features and advantages.
  • the computer can be further configured to calibrate the backlighting system, the first light source and, if available, the second light source.
  • a method is proposed of photographing an object by a camera of an imaging apparatus according as described above.
  • the method can comprise having the computer controlling the camera, switching a
  • backlighting system switching a first light source of a second member of a support and, if available, a second light source of the second member of the support, controlling the first light source and, if available, the second light source to enable the second member of the support in a support arrangement as seen by the camera to visually blend into a backplane comprising the back lighting system located behind the support as seen from the camera when the first light source, if available the second light source and the back lighting system are activated.
  • Fig.l is a view from one side of a support
  • Fig.2 is a view from another side of a support
  • Fig.3 is a perspective view of a support
  • Fig.4 is a perspective view of a breakdown of a
  • Fig.5a is a cross section of a support
  • Fig 5b is a cross section of a second member of a support ;
  • Fig.6 shows a cross section of a support and a camera
  • Fig.7 is a view from one side of a support arrangement
  • Fig.8 is a view from another side of a support arrangement ;
  • Fig.9 is a perspective view of a support arrangement including mannequin torso and dolly;
  • Fig.10 is a perspective view of an imaging apparatus.
  • the present invention enables photographing of objects supported by a support.
  • a support is also known as a
  • Any object that can be supported may be photographed, such as fashion related products on a mannequin torso or legs.
  • the support is designed such that it can be detected by an imaging apparatus to enable automated removal of the support from the digital image.
  • the imaging apparatus enables users without specialized skills in photography to obtain background separated images of the objects wherein the support is also removed .
  • Apparel products such as clothing may be displayed on a mannequin torso or legs as if being worn by a human.
  • the torso may be supported by one or more vertical supports.
  • a mannequin torso is typically supported by two parallel supports.
  • a shelf may be used to display the object, in which case the shelf may be supported by one or more vertical or horizontal supports.
  • the side of the support facing the camera may light up when taking a picture.
  • the side of the support may be fitted with lighting element that is being controlled by a controller of the imaging apparatus. Changing the state of the lighting element between pictures taken enables image processing software to detect the location of the support and removal of the support from the digital image. Different states of the lighting element are e.g. on, off, with different light intensities or with different light colors.
  • the imaging apparatus includes a backlight system, in front of which the supported object is displayed.
  • the backlighting system makes it possible to have the image processing software detect transparency in the object, e.g. see through parts of clothing.
  • the backlighting system when being synchronized with the lighting element on the support, may be used to ease the removal of the support from the digital image by the image processing software.
  • the lighting element and the backlight system may be calibrated in light intensity and/or light color such that the backlight and the support, as seen from the camera, are similar in light intensity and color to visually blend the support with the backlight.
  • Fig.l and Fig.2 show two sides of an exemplary support
  • Fig.3 shows a perspective view of the support 1 of Figs .1 and 2.
  • the support 1 typically has a narrow side (Fig.l) that faces the camera and a wider side (Fig.2) .
  • the width of the wider side is needed for strength and rigidity of the support 1.
  • the support 1 is preferably as narrow as possible to minimize visibility to the camera.
  • the support 1 includes a first elongated member 11 for supporting the object.
  • the first member 11 may be made of a strong and preferably rigid material such as a metal, carbon fiber or hard plastic.
  • a second elongated member 11 for supporting the object.
  • the first member 11 may be made of a strong and preferably rigid material such as a metal, carbon fiber or hard plastic.
  • elongated member 12 covers the narrow side of the first member
  • the second elongated member 12 includes the lighting element and may be located at one side 12 or at the two opposite sides 12,13 of the support 1.
  • a light source passes light into and along the second member 12 allowing the second member 12 to evenly emit light in the direction of the camera.
  • the light source may me embedded within the second member 12, e.g. as an array of LEDs or other light sources with a similarly small form factor.
  • the light source may be an array of LEDs or other light sources fixed to or recessed in the edge of the first member 11, with the second member 12 covering the edge of the first member 11 including the LEDs.
  • the back side of the second member 12, i.e. the side touching the first member 11, may be transparent or semi- transparent to let the light through from the LEDs when covering the side of the first member 11.
  • the light source may be located at one end of the second member 12, e.g. using a side-lit method wherein one or more LEDs shoot light into an acrylic plate forming the second member 12 that has been etched in a specific dotter pattern known per se to evenly distribute the light across the surface of the second member 12.
  • the latter alternative it is possible to have two light sources, i.e. one at both ends of the second member 12, or have one light source emit light into both ends of the second member 12.
  • Other ways of implementing a light source that are not described here and allowing the second member 12 to evenly emit light, may alternatively be used.
  • the support 1 may include fastening means 14 to fasten the object to be photographed or to fasten a further support whereon the object to be photographed is displayed.
  • a further support is a mannequin torso for displaying apparel products such as clothing.
  • the fastening means 14 may be such that the object or further support can be detachably fixed to the support 1.
  • Fig.4 shows a more detailed example of a support 1.
  • the building blocks of a support 1 are shown that, when put
  • the first elongated member 11 may have one or more notches 15 for fitting the second elongated member 12.
  • the second member 12 contains an array of LED light sources 16 forming the lighting element.
  • the LEDs 16 are evenly distributed to evenly light the side of the support 1 as seen from the camera.
  • the end of the first member where the object or further support can be (detachably) fixed may include an extender part 17 that is fixed to the support 1 by one or more screws, nails, rivets or the like.
  • a pin 14 may be part of the extender part 17 to detachably fix a further support such as a mannequin torso to the support 1.
  • the support 1 When used with a backlight system the support 1 may be lighted such that it appears to blend in the backlight when seen from the camera.
  • the surface of the second member 12 facing the camera is preferably substantially flat. The flat surface evenly reflects light from external light sources and eliminates irregular reflections. The blending properties may be further improved by rounding the edges of the second member 12.
  • the surface of the second member 12 may be finished, e.g. satin-finished, matte-finished or frosted-finished, to diminish reflections from external light sources.
  • the finished surface avoids ambient light creating sharp reflections, which may cause the surface to appear uneven in illuminated or dark mode. Avoiding sharp reflections makes it easier for image processing software to remove the supports 1 from the digital image .
  • Second member 12 may be achieved by a second member 12 whose material contains particles that internally catch and reflect light. An effect of this is that the entire second member 12 may appear to be glowing in and from all directions.
  • the camera may not be facing the second member 12 of the support 1 from the front but from a slight off-angle. This typically occurs when the object to be photographed is supported by two or more supports 1.
  • the second member 12 extends the width of the first member 11.
  • Fig.5a shows an exemplary cross section of a support 1, wherein the second member 12 extends the width of the first member 11 at one side (the left side in the figure) .
  • Fig.5b shows a cross section of a second member 12.
  • the second member 12 has a length of L2 and a protrusion width of A (see also Fig.6) .
  • the corners Q of the second member may be rounded .
  • Fig.6 shows a photo camera 2 and a cross section of a support 1.
  • the camera 2 sees the support 1 from an angle R.
  • the second member 12, i.e. the lighting element 12 of the support 1 extends the width of the first member 11 by a protrusion width A.
  • the minimum protrusion width is
  • the tangent line 21 defined by a line-of- sight from the camera 2 to the second member 12 intersects the first member 11 at length L1+L2 from the front of second member 12 as seen from the camera 2.
  • the intersection point is depicted by reference number 22.
  • the side of the first member 11 perpendicular to the side with the lighting element 12 is not visible when looking from an angle R from the camera 2 to the support 1, because of the protrusion A of the lighting element 12.
  • Fig.7 and Fig.8 show two sides of an exemplary support arrangement 3 that may be used to support an object to be photographed.
  • the support arrangement 3 contains two supports 1 as described above.
  • a base 31 fixes the two supports 1 in aligned position.
  • the support arrangement 3 provides for a more stable basis for supporting an object or a further support.
  • the light source that allows the second member 12 to emit light is located at one or two end(s) of the second member 12, e.g. using the above described side-lit method or light guides such as optical fibers, then the light source may be embedded in the base 31.
  • Fig.9 shows an exemplary embodiment, wherein a mannequin torso 4 is fixed to a support arrangement 3.
  • the base 31 of the support arrangement 3 contains a circular disc that is rotatably fixed to a dolly 5.
  • This enables the support arrangement 3 including the mannequin torso 4 to be rotated into a desired orientation towards the camera 2, such as in a 0 degrees angle to photograph the front side of the object or in a 180 degrees angle to photograph the back site of the object.
  • a typically example wherein the support arrangement 3 is rotatable is a scenario wherein the front and the back of clothing on the mannequin torso 4 is to be photographed.
  • the support arrangement 3 may then be rotated by 180 degrees to have the front or the back of the mannequin torso 4 facing the camera 2.
  • the support 1 may have a lighting element 12,13 on both (opposite) sides of the support.
  • the support has two second members 12,13, i.e. two lighting elements.
  • the two second members 12 and 13 may be individually controlled and emit light at different intensities and/or colors. This enables the protrusion of the second member 13 at the back side of the support 1, i.e. the second member 13 facing away from the camera, to be more precisely calibrated to be blending into the back light when seen from the camera.
  • the light source that allows the second member 12 to emit light is located at one or two end(s) of the second member 12, e.g. using the above described side-lit method, then the light source may be embedded in the dolly 5.
  • the dolly 5 may be movable by wheels 51 or the like attached to the bottom of the dolly 5.
  • a pedal 52 at one side of the dolly 5 may be included to lock and unlock the dolly 5 from moving, e.g. by operating a break mechanism on the wheels 51 or operating a lifting mechanism on the dolly 5 to lower and lift the dolly 5 from the ground.
  • the dolly 5 may have one or more locking means, e.g. in the form of magnets, to lock the dolly 5 to a back wall, which is typically in a substantially vertical backplane of an imaging apparatus (see also Fig.10) .
  • This enables the supports 1 to be aligned to the backlighting system and/or ensures that the object to be photographed is secured in a fixed location from the camera 2.
  • Fig.10 shows an imaging apparatus 6 of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • the imaging apparatus 6 includes a support arrangement 3 supporting a mannequin torso .
  • the support arrangement 3 is placed on a dolly 5, which is locked in place to a backplane 61.
  • the backplane 61 includes a backlight 62 that may be switched on and off by a controller (not shown) .
  • the imaging apparatus 6 may have an embedded system (not shown) comprising a computer, wherein the computer is configured to control the camera 2, switch the backlighting system 62 and switch the lighting elements 12,13 of the supports 1.
  • the system may be embedded in the backplane 61, in the dolly 5, at the back of the backplane 61 or at any other location in the imaging apparatus 6.
  • the dolly 5 may have a connector for electrically connecting the lighting elements 12,13 of the supports 1 to the backplane 61 and enabling the controller to control the lighting elements 12,13.
  • the imaging apparatus 6 may include one or more external light sources 63 for enhanced lighting of the object to be photographed.
  • a user interface 64 e.g. in the form of a detachable tablet computer, may be connected for operating the imaging apparatus 6.
  • the backplane 61 may be supported in vertical orientation by a support structure 65 of any shape, e.g. including a vertical and a horizontal bar as shown in
  • the camera 2 may be fixed to the supporting structure 65 and is controlled by the embedded system.
  • the imaging apparatus 6 may make use of sophisticated multi-shot photographing technique and makes it available to any user without requiring specialized skills. By fixing a camera 2 and lights in an ideal position, using supports 1 with lighting elements 12,13 at the sides in combination with a backlighting system 62 allowing automatic (substantially) removal of the supports 1 from the digital image, and moving all user
  • a portable tablet controller 64 preferably having a touch screen interface
  • users can be fully operational with minimal training.
  • the background may be removed from the digital image in a quality otherwise only achievable by highly trained users.
  • the imaging apparatus 6 is typically an all-in-one system, which means it includes everything required for it to work. For better support, updates and maintenance, the system may be configured with internet access to allow remote access and downloading of software updates.
  • the embedded computer controls the backlight system 62 and the lighting elements 12,13 on the supports 1. Furthermore the embedded computer controls operation of the camera 2. If available, the external light sources 63 may be controlled by the embedded computer.
  • the backlighting system 62 may contain light elements that change from dark to white between two shots taken by the camera 2 of the imaging apparatus 6. With the backlighting system 62 off, the digital photograph includes a dark
  • the photograph includes a light background.
  • the difference between the two digital photographs can be used to create an alpha channel mask.
  • the backlighting system 62 may contain any type of light
  • a LED panel is advantageously relatively flat compared to conventional backlighting systems, resulting in low space requirements for fitting the lighting system in the back plane 61.
  • the surface of the backlight system 62 as seen by the camera 2 is preferably able to change color from very dark to very light.
  • the LED panel may be covered with a dark plastic translucent sheet resulting in a substantially black background when the backlight system is off.
  • the very light color may be achieved by using an LED panel that produces e.g. at least 2000 Lumen.
  • the backlight system 62 may be capable of producing different light intensities by being dimmable.
  • the embedded system may comprise an embedded computer running a server application to control the camera 2, the backlight system 62 and the lighting elements 12,13 of the supports 1, and perform image processing algorithms.
  • the computer may control the storing of images on a storage and communicates with the tablet controller 64 for the user interface on the tablet 64.
  • the embedded system may
  • any other wireless technique may be used to enable communication between the embedded computer and the tablet controller 64.
  • the camera 2 is preferably capable of taking high resolution images, such as 15 megapixels or more.
  • a Canon 5D mklll camera may e.g. be used or any other suitable camera.
  • the image sensor of the camera 2 is preferably a full frame sensor, allowing use of lower distortion lenses on the camera.
  • the lens is preferably characterized by a low barrel distortion, a focal length which allows the camera 2 to capture the entire object to be photographed, a minimum chromatic aberration, and a
  • Canon 70-200mm USM L lens may e.g. be used or any other suitable lens .
  • the camera 2 may contain a programming interface for communication with the embedded computer.
  • the portable tablet controller 64 is typically a user friendly device running a graphical user interface, preferably operated via a multi-touch screen.
  • the tablet controller 64 is preferably light enough to hold in one hand while operating it with the other hand.
  • the tablet controller 64 is typically a tablet PC, such as e.g. an Apple iPad series tablet, a Samsung Galaxy Tab series tablet, or any other suitable tablet computer. It is to be understood that, although a tablet form factor is preferred, instead of a tablet controller 64 any other portable device capable of displaying a graphical user interface and wirelessly connecting to the embedded computer may be used.
  • the backlight 62 and the lighting elements 12,13 of the supports 1 may be calibrated. During calibration the object to be photographed may already be in place. The calibration may include taking several pictures in different combinations of the backlight 62 and the lighting elements 12,13 on the supports 1 being on and off. Also the light intensity / luminosity of the backlight 62 and/or the light elements 12,13 on the supports 1 may be controlled.
  • the color of the backlight 62 and/or the light elements 12,13 on the supports 1 may be controlled. It is possible that individual LEDs in an array of LEDs (or other light sources with similar form factor) are controlled for the purpose of creating an evenly lit lighting element.
  • the purpose of the calibration is to find a setting wherein the supports appear to blend into the backplane 61 when the backlight 62 and lighting elements 12,13 of the supports 1 are lit, as seen from the camera 2. As a result, when taking a picture the supports in the resulting digital image are invisible to a large extend or entirely invisible.
  • Photographing the object may include taking multiple pictures in different combinations of the backlight 62 and the lighting elements 12,13 on the supports 1 being on and off. This enables image processing algorithms to detect parts of the supports 1 in the digital image insofar not invisible by the blending effect into the backlight 62. The detected parts may then be automatically deleted from the digital image by the image processing algorithms.
  • the image processing algorithms may further be used to delete backlight pixels from the digital image.
  • the backlight pixels are those pixels in the digital image that are related to the backlight 62. Removing these pixels may result in transparency in the digital image where the backlight 62 was visible. This may create transparency in the photographed object and may further be used to remove the support 1 where blended into the backlight 62.
  • the support 1 and general setup's geometrical properties may sometimes be less than optimal, for instance if the setup is slightly out of angle due to wear and tear over time, or due to production errors. This may result in the support 1 to not be completely removed by the image processing algorithm that is used to remove the backlight pixels. Applying a more aggressive algorithm may be used which looks specifically for e.g. vertical lines. Applying such an altered algorithm across the entire image may result in false positives, for instance in the case that the product being photographed
  • One of those images may for instance have only the supports 1 turned on, so the software can locate them, and apply a specialized version of the algorithm in those areas.
  • the supports 1 may light up in a way that they punch through the thin product material hanging in front. This may result in unwanted consequences, such as parts of the product being removed which should not be removed.
  • the light source inside the support 1 may be, divided into sections, for instance an LED array where each LED may be dimmed individually. The parts of the fixture covered by the thin product material may thus light up less, or not at all, than the parts not covered by the thin product material. Which sections to illuminate in which
  • intensity may be determined using separate reference images.
  • a support 1 may include one or more light sensors to detect if (part of) the second member is covered by (part of) the object.
  • Light sensors may be located inside the second member 12 or at a side of the first member 11 not covered by the second member 12.
  • the light sensors may be recessed within the first member 11.
  • the light sensors measure the intensity of ambient light or light from an external light source 63 while the second member 12 is not lit and with the object to be photographed present. The measurement results are compared with preconfigured or premeasured values of light intensity
  • preconfigured/premeasured values may indicate that the object is (partially) covering the support 1. Furthermore it may be detected which part of the support 1 is covered. Illumination of the parts of the second member 12 that are covered by the object may then be controlled by the embedded system, e.g. by
  • One embodiment of the invention may be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system.
  • the program(s) of the program product define functions of the embodiments
  • Non-writable storage media e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive, ROM chips or any type of solid-state non-volatile
  • writable storage media e.g., floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive or any type of solid- state random-access semiconductor memory or flash memory
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, which may be varied within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Studio Devices (AREA)
  • Accessories Of Cameras (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un support supportant un objet à photographier par un appareil photo, lequel support pouvant être sensiblement retiré automatiquement d'une image numérique à l'aide d'un logiciel d'imagerie. Un ou deux bords du support peuvent être éclairés afin de mélanger visuellement le support à un arrière-plan avec un système de rétro-éclairage situé derrière le support, comme lorsqu'on regarde à partir de l'appareil photo quand les bords sont éclairés et que le système de rétro-éclairage est activé.
PCT/EP2013/056807 2013-03-28 2013-03-28 Objets à photographier supportés par un support éclairé WO2014154303A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2013/056807 WO2014154303A1 (fr) 2013-03-28 2013-03-28 Objets à photographier supportés par un support éclairé

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2013/056807 WO2014154303A1 (fr) 2013-03-28 2013-03-28 Objets à photographier supportés par un support éclairé

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014154303A1 true WO2014154303A1 (fr) 2014-10-02

Family

ID=48087552

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2013/056807 WO2014154303A1 (fr) 2013-03-28 2013-03-28 Objets à photographier supportés par un support éclairé

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2014154303A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2464742A (en) * 2008-10-27 2010-04-28 Lobster Pot Photography Ltd Method and Apparatus for 3-D Photography
KR20110006205A (ko) * 2009-07-13 2011-01-20 (주)엔코알앤디 가로등용 엘이디 조명장치 및 그 등기구
DE102011013708A1 (de) * 2011-03-11 2012-09-13 Automate Images Gmbh Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur freigestellten Abbildung eines Objekts
DE102011051417A1 (de) * 2011-06-28 2013-01-03 Lars Steinsiek Vorrichtung zur Erzeugung von Fotografien von Objekten

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2464742A (en) * 2008-10-27 2010-04-28 Lobster Pot Photography Ltd Method and Apparatus for 3-D Photography
KR20110006205A (ko) * 2009-07-13 2011-01-20 (주)엔코알앤디 가로등용 엘이디 조명장치 및 그 등기구
DE102011013708A1 (de) * 2011-03-11 2012-09-13 Automate Images Gmbh Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur freigestellten Abbildung eines Objekts
DE102011051417A1 (de) * 2011-06-28 2013-01-03 Lars Steinsiek Vorrichtung zur Erzeugung von Fotografien von Objekten

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2840294C (fr) Appareil de formation d'image et controleur pour produits de prise de vue
EP2135490B1 (fr) Procédé de commande de l'éclairage d'une pièce en fonction d'une image projetée sur une surface de projection
JP6224822B2 (ja) 毛髪コンサルテーションツール装置及び方法
CN101842632A (zh) 照明装置和图像显示装置
JP2009521093A (ja) 店用ディスプレイシステムのための色の適合
EP2193311B1 (fr) Procédé d'éclairage d'un objet en 3d avec une image en 2d modifiée de l'objet en 3d à l'aide d'un projecteur, et projecteur adapté pour la réalisation d'un tel procédé
JP2012527077A (ja) 照明装置
CN105979668A (zh) 照明系统
US10255706B2 (en) Visualization device
KR20120117820A (ko) 동적 주변 조명 시스템
CN105939466B (zh) 光投影装置
CN106796385A (zh) 具有针对白点的调整的图像投影和捕获
JP2018116771A (ja) 照明装置
JP6624541B2 (ja) 光投影装置及びそれを用いた照明装置
US20160369998A1 (en) Door integrated lighted mirror system
US20190228111A1 (en) Custom lighting
WO2014154303A1 (fr) Objets à photographier supportés par un support éclairé
EP3039853B1 (fr) Procédé et appareil d'obtention d'un fichier d'image à canal alpha à l'aide d'un appareil photo
US20050168465A1 (en) Computer graphics system, computer graphics reproducing method, and computer graphics program
EP3779273B1 (fr) Système d'éclairage et sa commande
US10638857B2 (en) Redemption counter with multi-color LED feature
JP2006317750A (ja) 写真スタジオ装置及び写真スタジオ光源装置
JP2006317751A (ja) 写真スタジオ装置
CN106406785A (zh) 为人机交互提供反馈光色氛围渲染的光学方法和装置
KR20140032725A (ko) 디스플레이 이미지 컬러 매칭형 쇼케이스

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 13715651

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 13715651

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1