WO2022070031A1

WO2022070031A1 - Implementation system of a chroma key shooting set for streaming video conferences

Info

Publication number: WO2022070031A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/058840
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giuseppe MASCITELLI
Original assignee: Home Setv S.R.L.
Priority date: 2020-10-01
Filing date: 2021-09-28
Publication date: 2022-04-07
Also published as: EP4222948A1

Abstract

A system (100) for implementing a set of shots in chroma key technique, usable for streaming videoconferences, is described, comprising: a roll-up chroma key screen (1), provided with markers (8) for positioning digital images; a support (2) of a roll-up type configured to support the chroma key screen (1); a support structure (3) for a video camera (6) external to said system (100); the support structure (3) being such as to assume a compact non-use configuration and an use configuration in which it has an adjustable height. The system (100) further comprises: a mat (4) provided with a grid for positioning (16) a user and/or objects, configured to be interposed between the support structure (3) of the video camera (6) and the support (2); a portable lighting apparatus (5), configured to illuminate the chroma key screen (1) with preselected lighting parameters appropriate to the chroma key technique.

Description

Implementation system of a chroma key shooting set for streaming video conferences".

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of shooting digital images with a video camera and, in particular, to systems using the chroma key technique, which are specific to streaming video conferences.

STATE OF THE ART

The chroma key technique is often used in television recording or filming. Chroma key is used to set subjects and objects against virtual backgrounds, which are added at a later date. These can be of two types: backgrounds of previously filmed material or, as is currently very common, backgrounds of fully digitally processed material using computer graphics.

In the latter case, the background can be static, as during television weather forecasts, or it can be dynamically calculated, based on the movement of the camera filming the subject in the foreground, giving the illusion of a virtual set, or a completely virtual, three-dimensional television studio.

The chroma key technique had its first version with the blue back (blue screen), whereby scenes with actors were integrated with scenes shot elsewhere. From 1970 onwards, the blue screen was gradually replaced by the green screen (colour code: Pantone green 354), which is more suitable for digital cameras.

With reference to videoconferencing, streaming videoconferencing platforms, although sometimes supporting chroma key, are in the vast majority of cases used without any technical tool to help correct filming, with serious damage to the image of the subject and difficulties in communication. The effectiveness of chroma key is critically dependent on the conditions in which the shots are taken, for example, the characteristics of the lighting, shadows and the precision of the framing. This means that the use of this technique is limited to television studios or film sets with complex and expensive equipment and experienced technical staff.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to propose a system for implementing a set of shots in chroma key technique that can be installed and used in a relatively simple manner, and therefore also by not particularly expert personnel. It should be noted that this ease of installation and use means that the system can be applied in various fields, not limited only to professional television/cinema environments.

In particular, the present invention aims to support users of streaming teleconferencing systems through the miniaturization and simplification of a complete set that can also be used in a domestic environment, for filming, simple to assemble and use and of great impact thanks to the immersiveness of the chroma key system.

An object of the present invention is a system for implementing a shooting set in chroma key technique as defined by claim 1 and particular embodiments thereof as described by dependent claims 2-10.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The constructive and functional characteristics of the invention may be better understood from the detailed description below, in which reference is made to the attached drawing representing some preferred and non-limiting embodiments, in which:

- figure 1 shows, in perspective view, an example of a system for implementing shooting sets in chroma key technique;

- figure 2 shows schematically a particular chroma key screen that can be used in said system;

- figure 3 shows a side view of a table usable in said system, according to a particular form of implementation;

- Figure 4 shows a first example of a lamp usable in said system;

- Figure 5 shows a front view (a) and a side view (b) of a roll up type support for said chroma key screen, according to a particular embodiment;

- figure 6 shows an example of a carpet, ti chroma key type, usable in said system;

- Figure 7 shows a lamp usable in said system and having an alternative base to that of figures 1 and 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows an example of a system 100 for implementing a shooting set in chroma key technique. The system 100 comprises: a chroma key screen 1, a screen support 2 of the screen 1, a support structure 3 for a video camera, a carpet 4 (depicted in figure 6) and a portable lighting apparatus 5. The system 100 can be used for streaming video conferences.

It should be noted that, for the purpose of shooting, recording and streaming video conferences, the system 100 is also equipped with a video camera 6 (e.g., a webcam), which may be integrated into a display 7 of a computer (e.g., a personal computer) or which may be a stand-alone device.

In particular, specific software resides in such a computer that processes the images (static or moving) taken by the video camera 6 by adding, according to the chroma key technique (i.e., chroma key applications), the desired background images. Alternatively, the computer installed in the system 100 may in turn be connected (e.g., wirelessly) to an external computer in which chroma key processing takes place, as is the case, for example, with streaming platforms. For example, a chroma key platform relies on an internet line with at least one fast Adsl connection.

Note that there are currently chroma-key compatible video conferencing platforms on the market and others that are not compatible but can be made compatible by downloading one of the applications on the market called Virtual Camera.

Advantageously, system 100 is fully compatible with both existing chroma key platforms on the market and those for which the chroma key application is to be added.

The system 100 may also be equipped with a suitable microphone, for example integrated into the display 7, for sound recording in synchrony with image acquisition.

It should be noted that the system 100 is designed and sized to be installed also in offices or home environments or other locations having small or very small spaces compared to actual television or film sets. Furthermore, system 100 is designed to be easily disassembled, transported and reassembled.

In more detail, the chroma key screen 1 (see also Figure 2) is equipped with a grid 16 and a plurality of markers 8 that allow the chroma key application to position (in manual mode) pre-selected digital images on the screen, which will then appear as a background in the final video. The markers 8 of the chroma key screen 1 may, for example, also be of a type usable for automatic positioning of images by artificial intelligence software.

The chroma key 1 screen can be a green background (hexadecimal colour value: # 00bl40) or a blue background (hexadecimal colour value: # 0047bb).

The chroma key 1 screen is easily rolled up and extended. For example, the size of the chroma key 1 screen is between 1.5 m x 1.5 m and 2.5 m x 2.5 m, with preferred sizes of 1.90 m x 1.90 m and 2.10 m x 2.10 m. For example, chroma key display 1 has dimensions 2 m x 2 m.

Screen support 2 is a roll up type of display (e.g. similar to those used for banner advertising) on which the chroma key screen 1 can be placed. The support 2 comprises, for example, a base structure 9 and support rods 10 (removable) and has a winding mechanism for rolling up and unwinding the chroma key screen 1. Such a roll up display 2 with the chroma key screen can be housed, when the screen is rolled up, in a bag with a shoulder strap, which allows easy transport.

The assembly of the roll up display 2 is extremely simple as it is simply necessary to remove the display from the transport bag, place the base 9 on the ground and insert the rods 10 (e.g. aluminium) into the base 9 of the display and then unroll the chroma key screen 1. In particular, the support 2 may advantageously have a rod that acts both as a block, to prevent the screen 1 from completely retracting into the base 9, and also as a curtain tensioner. In fact, by pulling this wand upwards, the chroma key screen 1 unrolls and an interlocking system allows the wand to be fixed to the top of the rods 10 of the roll-up display 2.

The support structure 3, on which the camera 6 is arranged, is designed to allow adjustment of the height of the camera 6 relative to the ground. Furthermore, in order to allow its easy transportation, the support structure 3 is such that it assumes a compact non-use configuration and an use configuration.

According to a particular embodiment, the support structure 3 comprises a table 11 (see also Figure 3) and, optionally, a mount structure 12.

The table 11 is provided with a top 13 (e.g., having a rectangular base) and legs 14 (e.g., four legs) which are adjustable in length by means of a telescopic type mechanism, according to a particular form of implementation.

Furthermore, in order to bring the table 11 into the compact configuration, the legs 14 are swivellingly movable to assume a position substantially parallel to the top 13, by means of the use of folding and swivelling brackets 15. In such a compact potion the table 11 is easily transportable.

The mount structure 12, to be placed on the table top 13, has the shape of a small table.

It should be noted that, advantageously, the table 11 can assume the function of a podium (in the maximum extension of its legs 14) allowing it to be used standing up or with a suitable stool).

The carpet 4 (figure 6) is configured to be placed on the floor and interposed between the support structure 3 (with the video camera 6) and the chroma key screen 1 mounted on the support 2. On the carpet 2, a person may be positioned to be filmed by the video camera 6. For example, the carpet 4 does not provide any automatic winder.

The carpet 4 (of the roll-up type) is provided with a positioning grid 16 that can be used to identify particular areas (identifiable by specific numbered squares or provided with a relative identifier) on which to position the person to be filmed by the video camera 6 or to position expected objects on the set scene. Advantageously, the carpet 4 is also a chroma key screen, analogous to the screen 1 described above. The size of the carpet 4 can be between 2 m² and 6 m².

In addition, the use of a chair 22 (figure 1) may be contemplated which may be used by the person being filmed.

The portable lighting apparatus 5 is such as to present pre-selected lighting parameters suitable for the chroma key technique and, when appropriately positioned, advantageously does not require adjustment of such parameters by the user.

In accordance with a particular embodiment, the lighting apparatus 5 comprises a plurality of lamps 17 (Figures 1 and 4); for example, three lamps 17 are provided, each having a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) sources.

In particular, each lamp 17 comprises a corresponding rod 18 (for example, of a height of about 2 m) fixed to a lamp base 19 (for example, made of aluminium); in the rod 18 is mounted the plurality of LEDs, uniformly distributed along almost the entire length of the rod 18.

In the example of Figures 1 and 4, the base 19 comprises three lobes 21 (and thus has a cloverleaf shape) and in the region connecting these lobes is provided with a cup 20 into which the rod 18 is inserted and secured, for example, with a screw (e.g., a flat-head screw with lathe produced sockets).

Figure 7 shows an alternative shape of the base 19 to those of figures 1 and 4. In particular, the base 19 of figure 7 is not flat (as in the previous figures) but has a convexity which gives particular stability to the lamp 17. In more detail, the central part of the base 19 is raised with respect to the lobes 21 that rest on the floor. This version of the base 19 allows the rod 18 to be fixed using an Allen screw.

According to a particular form of implementation, each lamp 17 has a maximum power absorption of 30 W, a colour temperature of 4000 K and an angular aperture of the illuminating radiation of 120°. In particular, each lamp 17 is equipped with a corresponding transformer (for example, a 220 /24 V transformer) and appropriate wiring for connection to an electrical outlet. The use of batteries to power the lamps 17 is not excluded.

It is possible to indicate to the user (in a special instruction sheet) the position in which the lamps 17 are to be arranged so that they can both generate the chroma key effect and at the same time correctly illuminate the subject to be filmed with the video camera 6. Thanks to the pre-set configuration of the lamps 17 and their correct positioning, the lamps themselves do not need electronic adjustment and are very easy to use.

For example, the three lamps 17 may be positioned as follows: one lamp 17 to the right of the table 11, one lamp 17 to the left of the table 11 and one lamp 17 placed in front of the table 11.

In use, users will be able to easily assemble the system 100 as described above and in a manner similar to that shown in figure 1 (with the addition of the carpet 4).

The lamps 17 will be positioned as intended, and the person being filmed will be able to stand on the pre-selected grid areas of the carpet 4, between the camera 4 and the chroma key screen 1. Thanks to the grid on the carpet 4, it is possible to avoid leaving the shooting framing or part of the chroma key screen 1 intended for adding background images. The software platform employed can fully employ the markers 8 of the chroma key screen 1 for adding the desired background. The person being filmed may, for example, view the filmed video already enriched with background images on the display 7.

Advantages and areas of use

It should be noted that system 100 has the advantage of having several possible areas of use.

The small size and the fact that it can be easily disassembled, transported and reassembled means that the system 100 can also be used in small or inadequately equipped spaces, such as non-standard television or film sets (for example, at local television stations), or in offices or homes.

Furthermore, the structure and configuration of the system 100, which provides mechanical and electronic features that are pre-set or easy to set up, means that it can be easily assembled and used even by users who are not experts in television/cinema techniques, such as, for example, freelance journalists, influencers or bloggers operating in a domestic environment.

Thanks to the implementation features mentioned above, system 100 can also be used for all those remote communications carried out in the context of videoconferences, remote conferences or online meetings. In this case, the system 100 may be implemented in the office and used to show moving background images (e.g., movies) or images related to presentations (e.g., slides). This is certainly possible, since system 100 is compatible with the video conferencing platforms on the market, such as, but not limited to, those of Zoom Video Communications or those platforms for which the chroma key application, not initially envisaged, has been added.

In view of the aforementioned ease of use, possible users of system 100 include professionals, consultants, lawyers, doctors and architects.

It should be noted that a videoconference carried out using system 100 and thus enriched with background images makes it possible to reproduce a situation comparable to that of a real meeting, not based on a remote connection.

Another possible application of system 100 is that of use by sales staff, such as commercial agents or shop assistants, who can use the system for remote communication, reducing their travel and the transport of samples. Consider, for example, a possible scenario where a salesperson uses the 100 system combined with platforms that reproduce a virtual environment. This possible application may lead to a redesign of the current way of doing business.

The potential of System 100 also extends to education, with applications in schools and universities.

* * * *

Legend of figure references

- system 100 for implementation of shooting set in chroma key technique

- chroma key screen 1

- support 2 - support structure 3

- carpet 4

- portable lighting equipment 5

- video camera 6

- display 7

- marker 8

- basic structure 9

- support rods 10

- table 11

- mount structure 12

- top 13

- legs 14

- brackets 15

- positioning grid 16

- lamp 17

- rod 18

- lamp base 19

- cup 20

- lobes 21

- chair 22

Claims

1. System (100) for implementing a shooting set in chroma key technique, usable for videoconference streaming, including:

- a chroma key screen (1) that can be rolled up, equipped with markers (8) for positioning digital images;

- a roll up support (2) configured to support the chroma key screen (1);

- a support structure (3) for a video camera (6) external to said system (100); the support structure (3) being such as to assume a compact non-use configuration and a use configuration in which it has an adjustable height;

- a carpet (4) equipped with a positioning grid (16) of a user and/or objects, configured to be interposed between the support structure (3) of the camera (6) and the support (2);

- a portable lighting device (5), configured to illuminate the chroma key screen (1) with pre-selected lighting parameters suitable for the chroma key technique.

2. System (100) according to claim 1, wherein said support (2) includes: a base structure (9), at least one support rod (10) of the chroma key screen (1) to be associated with the base structure and a winding mechanism that allows the chroma key screen to be rolled up and unrolled (1).

3. System (100) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the chroma key screen (1) has dimensions between 1.5 m x 1.5 m and 2.5 m x 2.5 m.

4. System (100) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the support structure (3) includes a table (11) with a top (13) and legs (14) adjustable in length, until it takes the shape of a podium.

5. System (100) according to at least claim 4, wherein said legs (14) of the table (11), in order to bring the table (11) in the compact configuration, can be rotated to assume a position substantially parallel to the top (13). System (100) according to at least claim 4, wherein the support structure (3) includes a mount structure (12) to be placed on that floor (13). System (100) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein said carpet (4) is of the chroma key type. System (100) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the lighting equipment (5) is configured to be arranged in predefined positions so as not to require adjustment of these pre-selected lighting parameters by the user. System (100) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the lighting apparatus (5) includes a plurality of LED lamps (17), each including a base (19) and a vertical rod (18) on which a plurality of LED sources is mounted. System (100) according to at least claim 9, wherein each lamp (17) is configured to emit radiation with a color temperature of 4000 K and an illuminated angular radiation aperture of 120°.