Chroma key shooting system

Abstract

There is a need for a chroma key shooting system that can generate chroma key composite images, making it possible for amateurs to take selfies. [Solution] A chroma key shooting system comprising: a camera; a computer connected to the camera, having a generation function for generating chroma key composite images and a storage function for saving a chroma key composite image, which is one scene of the chroma key composite image, to a storage device; and a remote controller connected to the computer, having a first switch for activating the storage function.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a chroma key shooting system, and particularly to a chroma key shooting system capable of self-shooting.

Background Art

[0002] Chroma key compositing is a type of keying technology that separates specific color components from a part of a video and composes another video there. Chroma key compositing is widely used in the news broadcast, advertising, movie, and video game industries.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a shooting studio device that can shoot an advertisement image and obtain a promotional effect by posting the shot image on an SNS (Social Network Service). This shooting studio device includes a memory for storing a background image, a camera for shooting a user and generating a shot image of the user, a remote control for operating the shutter of the camera, and a CPU for compositing the shot image and the background image to generate a composite image and uploading the composite image to a server.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] There is a desire to provide a chroma key shooting system that allows a layperson to generate a chroma key composite image by self-shooting.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A chroma key shooting system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a camera, a computer connected to the camera, and a remote controller connected to the computer. The computer has a generation function for generating a chroma key composite image and a storage function for saving a chroma key composite image, which is one scene of the chroma key composite image, to a storage device. The remote controller has a first switch for activating the storage function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure provides a chroma key shooting system that can be used by amateurs to take selfies. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a chroma key imaging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external view showing a remote controller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a first correspondence table according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a second correspondence table according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the computer chroma key composite image generation process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the computer chroma key image saving process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an external view showing a remote controller according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Referring to Figure 1, the system configuration of the chroma key shooting system 1 will be explained. The chroma key shooting system 1 is installed in a studio, booth, private room, or other space and provides users 17 with the opportunity to take selfies of chroma key composite images.

[0010] The chroma key shooting system 1 includes a green screen 3 for chroma key compositing. The green screen 3 is a sheet suitable for green or blue chroma key compositing. The sheet is, for example, cloth or wallpaper.

[0011] The chroma key shooting system 1 includes a camera 5. Camera 5 generates captured video at a frame rate of, for example, 20fps to 100fps. Camera 5 is mounted facing the green screen 3 using a tripod, frame, and other support members. This allows camera 5 to capture the user 17 positioned in front of the green screen 3.

[0012] The chroma key shooting system 1 further includes a computer 7 connected to the camera 5. The computer 7 includes a processor and memory. The memory stores software programs executed by the processor. The processor performs functions defined by the software programs by executing them. In this embodiment, the software programs include Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), bandicam, and other chroma key compositing software.

[0013] The chroma key shooting system 1 further includes a display 9 connected to a computer 7. The display 9 is an LCD monitor, OLED monitor, projector, or other suitable video display device. The display 9 is mounted facing the green screen 3 by monitor arms, monitor stands, frames, or other support members.

[0014] The chroma key shooting system 1 further includes a remote controller 11 connected to a computer 7. The remote controller 11 is connected to the computer 7 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The remote controller 11 is either stationary or portable. The remote controller 11 can be operated by a user 17 positioned in front of the green screen 3. In this embodiment, the remote controller 11 is a portable remote controller 11 wirelessly connected to the computer 7. Being portable and having a wireless connection eliminates the need for cables between the computer 7 and the remote controller 11, thus avoiding the appearance of cables in the captured image.

[0015] The chroma key shooting system 1 further includes a storage device 13 connected to a computer 7. The storage device 13 is a hard disk drive, solid-state drive, optical disc, USB memory, or other computer-readable storage medium. The storage device 13 can be a storage medium built into the computer 7, a storage medium attached to the computer 7 externally, cloud storage connected to the computer 7 via the internet, or a storage medium located in another location.

[0016] The chroma key shooting system 1 also includes speakers 15 connected to the computer 7. The speakers 15 include speakers built into the computer 7, external speakers attached to the computer 7, speakers built into the remote controller 11, and speakers placed in other locations.

[0017] The structure of the remote controller 11 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2(a) shows the main body 21 of the remote controller 11. Figure 2(b) shows the cover 31 of the remote controller 11. Figure 2(c) shows the main body 21 of the remote controller 11 housed in the cover 31 of the remote controller 11.

[0018] In this embodiment, the remote controller 11 includes a first switch 23, a second switch 25, an electronic circuit 27, and a housing 29. The electronic circuit 27 is connected to the first switch 23 and the second switch 25, and is also connected to the computer 7. The electronic circuit 27 detects the depression of the first switch 23 and the second switch 25, and based on this detection, transmits a first key depression command and a second key depression command to the computer 7. The housing 29 holds the first switch 23, the second switch 25, and the electronic circuit 27. The housing 29 is formed of resin, metal, or other materials.

[0019] The computer 7 has a generation function for generating a chroma key composite video and a storage function for storing a chroma key composite image, which is one scene of the chroma key composite video, in the storage device 13. The first switch 23 activates the storage function. Specifically, the first switch 23 is coordinated with the first key of the keyboard of the computer 7. The first key is coordinated with the storage function. The second switch 25, like the first switch 23, activates the storage function. Specifically, the second switch 25 is coordinated with the second key of the keyboard of the computer 7. The second key is different from the first key. The second key is coordinated with the storage function.

[0020] More specifically, referring to FIG. 3, a first correspondence table 35 for associating the switches of the remote controller 11 with the keyboard of the computer 7 will be described. The first correspondence table 35 is stored in the electronic circuit 27. As described above, the electronic circuit 27 detects the pressing of the first switch 23 and the second switch 25, and based on this detection, transmits a first key press command and a second key press command to the computer 7. Specifically, when the electronic circuit 27 detects the pressing of the first switch 23, it refers to the first correspondence table 35 to identify the first key of the keyboard of the computer 7, and transmits a first key press command indicating the operation of the first key to the computer 7. When the electronic circuit 27 detects the pressing of the second switch 25, it refers to the first correspondence table 35 to identify the second key of the keyboard of the computer 7, and transmits a second key press command indicating the operation of the second key to the computer 7. The first key is, for example, the page up key, and the second key is, for example, the page down key.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 4, a second correspondence table 37 for associating the keyboard of the computer 7 with the functions of the chroma key compositing software will be described. The second correspondence table 37 is stored in the computer 7. The computer 7 receives a first key press command or a second key press command from the remote controller 11. The first key press command indicates the operation of the first key. The second key press command indicates the operation of the second key. In the present embodiment, both the first key and the second key are associated with the save function of saving a chroma key composite image, which is one scene of the chroma key composite video, in the storage device 13.

[0022] Returning to FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the remote controller 11 further includes a cover 31. The cover 31 houses the housing 29. The cover 31 is formed of resin, metal, fabric, or other materials. The cover 31 exposes the first switch 23 and covers the second switch 25. Specifically, the cover 31 has an opening 33 at a position corresponding to the first switch 23 and covers the position corresponding to the second switch 25.

[0023] The first switch 23 is exposed through the opening 33 and can be operated by the user 17. The second switch 25 is covered by the cover 31 and cannot be seen by the user 17 (if the cover 31 is opaque) or operated by the user 17 (if the cover 31 is rigid).

[0024] The housing 29 may be detachable from the cover 31. When the housing 29 is removed from the cover 31, both the first switch 23 and the second switch 25 become visible and operable to the user 17 or operator. In some cases, the first switch 23 may not be able to activate the save function due to a hardware or software program malfunction. In such cases, the user 17 or operator can temporarily activate the save function using the second switch 25.

[0025] The cover 31 may be flexible and allow the second switch 25 to be pressed from above the cover 31.

[0026] The cover 31 may be green or blue. For example, the color of the cover 31 may be the same as the color of the green screen 3. Such a cover 31 prevents the remote controller 11 from appearing in the chroma key composite image.

[0027] Referring to Figure 5, the process of generating chroma key composite images by computer 7 will be explained. Computer 7 receives captured video from camera 5 (S11). The captured video is a video obtained by filming user 17 with a green screen 3 as the background.

[0028] Computer 7 uses chroma key compositing software to combine the captured video and background video to generate a chroma key composite video (S12). The background video is provided in advance by the user 17 or operator and stored in the memory of computer 7. The background video can be a still image or a video.

[0029] Computer 7 transmits the chroma key composite image to display 9 (S13). Display 9 displays the chroma key composite image. Display 9 provides the user 17, who is positioned in front of the green screen 3, with the chroma key composite image including the user 17 in real time.

[0030] User 17 can view the chroma key composite image, including User 17, in real time. While viewing the chroma key composite image, User 17 presses the first switch 23 of the remote controller 11 at a scene they like. The remote controller 11 sends a first key press command to the computer 7, indicating the operation of a first key (for example, page up) linked to the first switch 23. Upon receiving the first key press command, the computer 7 performs the process of saving the chroma key composite image.

[0031] Referring to Figure 6, the process of saving the chroma key composite image by the computer 7 will be explained. The process of saving the chroma key composite image is executed when a first key press command is received from the remote controller 11 during the execution of the generation process that generates the chroma key composite image. Although Figure 6 shows an example of when a first key press command is received, the process is the same when a second key press command is received.

[0032] Computer 7 receives a first key press command from the remote controller 11 (S21). The first key press command instructs computer 7 to operate the first key.

[0033] Computer 7 refers to the second correspondence table 37 and identifies the first key press command as an instruction to save the chroma key composite image to the storage device 13 (S22).

[0034] Computer 7 sends a sound generation command to speaker 15 (S23). Speaker 15 receives the sound generation command and emits a sound. The sound can be a shutter sound, a beep, a voice announcement, or other sounds. Speaker 15 emits a sound in response to the first switch 23. User 17 can receive feedback from the sound that the first switch 23 has been pressed.

[0035] Computer 7 generates a chroma key composite image, which is a scene from the chroma key composite video (S24). The chroma key composite video is a moving image. The chroma key composite image can be a moving image or a still image. Moving images can be in MP4, AVI, MOV, WMV, or other file formats. Still images can be in JPEG, PNG, GIF, or other file formats. The chroma key composite image may also be a screenshot. A screenshot is a still image file of a scene from the chroma key composite video displayed on display 9. Since the screenshot is an image already displayed on display 9, user 17 can look at display 9 and save their favorite scene. The chroma key composite image may also be a moving image whose recording is started when the first switch 23 is pressed.

[0036] Computer 7 saves the chroma key composite image to storage device 13 (S25). Storage device 13 is accessible by user 17's terminal. User 17's terminal can access storage device 13 and download the chroma key composite image.

[0037] The embodiments described above represent only one aspect of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may include various modifications within the scope of the concept of the present disclosure.

[0038] For example, in the above embodiment, the remote controller 11 has a first switch 23 and a second switch 25, but is not limited to this and may have additional switches. The additional switches may be linked to the function of saving chroma key composite images, similar to the first switch 23 and the second switch 25, or they may be linked to other functions of the computer 7. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the remote controller 11 further has a third switch 41 and a fourth switch 43. The third switch 41 and the fourth switch may be linked to the function of saving the video as a chroma key composite image. Specifically, the third switch 41 may be linked to the function of starting video recording of the computer 7, and the fourth switch 43 may be linked to the function of stopping video recording of the computer 7. The computer 7 starts recording the video in response to the pressing of the third switch 41 and stops recording the video in response to the pressing of the fourth switch 43.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the first key is linked to the page up key and the second key is linked to the page down key, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and the first and second keys may be linked to other keys on the keyboard. For example, the first key may be linked to the left key and the second key may be linked to the right key.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the remote controller 11 sends a first key press command to the computer 7 indicating the operation of a first key on the computer 7's keyboard. However, the remote controller 11 may also send a first switch press command to the computer 7 indicating the pressing of a first switch 23. The computer 7 may store a third correspondence table that links the first switch 23 with the chroma key composite image saving function. The computer 7 may receive the first switch press command, refer to the third correspondence table, and determine that it is an instruction to execute the chroma key composite image saving process. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0041] 1. Chroma key shooting system 3 Green screen 5 Cameras 7 Computers 9 displays 11 Remote Controller 13 Storage device 15 speakers 21 Main unit 23. Switch 1 25 Second switch 27 Electronic circuit 29 cabinets 31 Cover 33 Aperture

Claims

1. Camera and, A computer connected to the camera, having a generation function for generating chroma key composite images and a storage function for saving a chroma key composite image, which is one scene of the chroma key composite image, to a storage device. A remote controller connected to the computer and having a first switch for activating the saving function, A chroma key shooting system equipped with [features / equipment].

2. The first switch is linked to the first key on the computer's keyboard, The first key of the keyboard is linked to the save function. The chroma key shooting system according to claim 1.

3. The remote controller further includes a second switch different from the first switch, The second switch is linked to a second key on the computer's keyboard that is different from the first key. The second key of the aforementioned keyboard is linked to the save function. The chroma key shooting system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned remote controller A housing that holds the first switch and the second switch, A cover that houses the housing, exposes the first switch, and covers the second switch, The chroma key shooting system according to claim 3, further comprising:

5. The chroma key imaging system according to claim 4, wherein the cover is green or blue.

6. The chroma key shooting system according to claim 1, further comprising a speaker that emits sound in response to the first switch.

7. The chroma key shooting system according to claim 1, wherein the chroma key composite image is a screenshot of one scene of the chroma key composite video.

8. The chroma key shooting system according to claim 1, wherein the remote controller is wirelessly connected to the computer.

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