System and method for processing images or videos relating to a moving object, preferably for amusement parks

Abstract

System (1 ) and method for processing images or videos relating to a moving object (10), preferably for amusement parks, comprising at least one recording camera (2) and a control unit (4) of the camera (2) connected to the camera (2). Said control unit (4) is configured to process said image or video (5) by identifying the outline of said one or more subjects (30) within said image or video (5) and contour-cutting it with respect to the background or to strangers (9). The control unit (4) is further configured to replace or modify said at least one background part of the same contour-cut image or video (5), with a new modified or replaced background (7) and to integrate the latter with said identified outline.

Description

[0001] “System and method for processing images or videos relating to a moving object, preferably for amusement parks”

[0002] *******

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates to a system and a method for processing images or videos relating to a moving object, preferably for amusement parks.

[0006] In particular, this is all about systems for processing captured images / videos and selling them to the public by printing on paper medium or saving them on a storage medium or sending them through online cloud services so that they can be downloaded.

[0007] In detail, the present invention finds application in the field of amusement parks (indoor or outdoor) or nature parks with reference to the moving objects that can be, for example, “trains” (the term “trains” means a roller coaster or anything else not expressly indicated herein) or ziplines or bobs, etc...

[0008] Generally the present invention can be applied to any stationary or moving object (or system) of which it is desired to take a picture from an external point or from a moving point with the same object.

[0009] For example, the present invention can be applied both for photographing users passing on a train at a predefined point (e.g. photo point).

[0010] For the sake of simplicity, in the continuation of the present description reference will mainly be made to the application to an attraction comprising a moving train, but without thereby limiting the present invention to exclusive use in such a field.

[0011] STATE OF THE ART Currently, solutions are known to take photos from a fixed point outside the train in the instant when the latter passes at or by that point.

[0012] In particular, these latter devices comprise specific cameras installed along the path of the trains and triggered by a trigger signal deriving from a sensor detecting the train passing at the predefined point which is coordinated with a flash activation signal.

[0013] Subsequently, the captured images are transmitted to a point of sale where there are a plurality of screens on which the taken photos that can be purchased by the customers are projected.

[0014] This known technology has some drawbacks mainly related to the fact that the captured images are often not acceptable or of adequate quality for multiple reasons: o there are foreign elements inside the image. For example: poles, foreign objects, etc.... o there are strangers whose presence limits the scope of use thereof; o the lighting conditions are affected by the weather, for example due to the position of the sun that changes during the day, the presence of rain or fog, etc.... o in any case the framing, background and context could be improved compared to the real ones.

[0015] Examples of prior art are described, for example, in US2005 / 052532A1 .

[0016] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In this situation, the object of the present invention is to realize a system and a method for processing images or videos relating to a moving object, preferably for amusement parks, which remedies the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0018] It is in particular an object of the present invention to realize a system and a method for processing images or videos relating to a moving object, preferably for amusement parks, which allows to easily remove foreign elements / strangers with respect to the subject(s) in question. It is in particular an object of the present invention to realize a system and a method for processing images or videos relating to a moving object, preferably for amusement parks, which allows to optimize the environmental elements of the image with respect to the weather.

[0019] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to realize a system and a method for processing images or videos relating to a moving object, preferably for amusement parks, which allows to overcome the problems of framing and optics so as to have ideal field photos.

[0020] The indicated purposes are substantially achieved by a system and a method for processing images or videos relating to a moving object, preferably for amusement parks, as described in the appended claims.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a system for processing images or videos relating to a moving object, preferably for amusement parks, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 shows, in schematic view, an example of application of a part of the system object of the present invention, to a train for amusement parks; figures 2-4 show, in schematic view, an example of images to be contour-cut, contour-cut and contour-cut with new background.

[0023] DESCRIPTION OF ONE OR MORE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS ACCORDING TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024] Figure 1 depicts an attraction 100 for amusement parks comprising a moving object, preferably a single movement means (e.g. kart or bob or zipline) or a train (there may also be several trains on the same circuit) having a plurality of stations for the users.

[0025] The moving system 10 is mounted on a circuit 20 along which it can be moved for performing at least one ride for the users.

[0026] Next to the moving system, which is in the stop position in figure 1 , there is a fixed base station 30 (arrival departure) at which users are unboarded and boarded.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention provides that there is a system 1 for processing images or videos relating to said moving object 10, for recording one or more subjects 30 (guest users of the attraction 100) who wish to have a photo or video of their experience on said moving object 10.

[0028] Said moving system 1 comprises at least one recording camera 2 (e.g. video camera or camera) configured to photograph or record one or more subjects 30 arranged on board said moving object 10 and to generate a corresponding recording signal 3 containing at least one image or video of the subject.

[0029] This chamber 2 can be arranged in a stationary position with respect to the moving object 10 (for example mounted on a support fixed on the ground) or it can be arranged in a position integral with the moving object 10 and therefore moves with the object itself (e.g. for ziplines).

[0030] The system 1 comprises a control unit 4 of the chamber 2 connected to the chamber 2 itself and configured to receive said recording signal 3.

[0031] The control unit 4 can be positioned directly on board the chamber 2 or it can be separated from the chamber 2 and mounted on board the moving object 10 (e.g. train) or it can be mounted externally to the chamber 2 such as, for example, at the base station 30. In the latter case, the recording signal 3 is transferred from the chamber 2 to the control unit 4 via an electrical cable or wirelessly (e.g. via appropriate antennas or via the internet).

[0032] In accordance with the present invention, the control unit 4 is configured to: process said image or video 5 contained in said recording signal 3; identify the outline of said one or more subjects 30 within said image or video 5 (the term “outline” means the external contour surrounding the subjects 30 or, at most, the faces of the subjects 30 - fig. 2); cut the part of image or video 5 that is external or different from said identified outline and corresponding to at least one background part (preferably all) of the same image or video 5 (fig. 3); replace or modify said at least one background part of the same cut image or video 5, with a new modified (“modified” means that it corresponds to the previous background, but with some changes) or replaced (“replaced” means completely different from the previous background) background 7; integrate or unify said new modified or replaced background 7 with said identified outline so that the image or video 5 of the identified outline of the subjects 30 now has the new background 7 (fig. 5).

[0033] In other words, the control unit 4 is configured to contour-cut said at least one background part with respect to the identified outline, where the term “contour-cutting” means cutting the part of outlines with respect to the background or vice versa.

[0034] Advantageously, the control unit 4 is configured to perform the outline identification and cutting operations by means of an artificial intelligence algorithm.

[0035] This artificial intelligence algorithm requires a step of training of the same algorithm to be performed in relation to which a plurality of pre-defined images / videos having image elements or parts to be cut are acquired. Such plurality of pre-defined images / videos can be pre-stored in a reference memory, connected to the control unit 4, or they can be constituted by images / videos historically acquired in a working step of the system 1 and pre-identified by the user as featuring defects to be cut.

[0036] Finally, the artificial intelligence algorithm involves identifying the parts of images or videos to be cut with respect to the identified outline according to the training performed. In this way, the algorithm advantageously allows to define, in a working step after training, which captured images / videos are to be classified as “defective” (i.e. presenting at least one part to be cut, e.g. a pole 8) or not. In particular, the system 1 also makes use of the predefined context information on the position of the subjects to be cut out and foreign elements for an optimized approach to achieving the best executive quality.

[0037] In addition, the control unit 4 could be configured to perform the operations of identification of the outline and of cutting by means of an image processing algorithm that provides, for example, to acquire two or more images in succession, in which at least one features the subjects and another is without subjects, so as to then make a comparison to facilitate contour-cutting.

[0038] A further object of the present invention is an attraction 100 for amusement parks comprising

[0039] - at least said moving object 10 having at least one station 6 (e.g. seat) for at least one subject;

[0040] - a circuit 20 on which said moving system 1 is mounted and along which it can be moved for performing at least one ride;

[0041] - a system 1 for processing images of the type just described.

[0042] Finally, an object of the present invention is a method for processing images or videos relating to a moving object 10, preferably for amusement parks. The method derives directly from what is described above in relation to the system 1 which is fully referred to hereinbelow.

[0043] The method comprises the following operating steps: providing at least one recording camera 2 configured to photograph or record one or more subjects 30 arranged on board said moving object 10 and to generate a corresponding recording signal 3 containing at least one image or video 5 of the subject; processing said image or video 5 contained in said recording signal 3; identifying the outline of said one or more subjects 30 within said image or video 5; cutting the part of image or video 5 that is external to or different from said identified outline and corresponding to at least a part of the background of the same image or video 5; replacing or modifying said at least one background part of the same image or video 5, with respect to the cut image or video part 5, with a new modified or replaced background 7; integrating a new modified or replaced background 7 with said outline.

[0044] It should be noted that this step of cutting the subjects 30 is carried out by contour-cutting said at least one background part with respect to the identified outline.

[0045] The present invention achieves the intended purposes.

[0046] In particular, the present invention, thanks to the contour-cutting software, allows to: o remove foreign elements to create qualitative photographic memories of the experience: poles 8, foreign objects, ... o remove strangers 9 to have a result that is fully usable under the Privacy Act o optimize environmental elements with respect to weather, position of the sun o go beyond framing and optical problems to have ideal scope photos. In particular, elements or context may be repositioned.

[0047] In addition, the present invention envisages using Al (Artificial Intelligence) software for contour-cutting in the field of moving attractions: roller coasters, ziplines, bobs...

[0048] The invention takes advantage of the knowledge of the field, in particular of the backgrounds, for an optimized contour-cutting also through Machine Learning.

[0049] Furthermore, the system 1 and method are configured to use other application context knowledge, because in the specific and defined scope, to eliminate other people 9 or unwanted details. The invention is configured to operate primarily from still points with photos, but they can also be 3D movies and recordings for various types of regeneration.

[0050] In addition, the invention recreates the memory of the experience by optimizing its context components, using photos, movies and augmented reality tools.

[0051] The invention optimises the usability of its material in compliance with the privacy law, excluding strangers.

[0052] Finally, the solution subject-matter of the present invention enhances the intangible components of the experiences in the field of attractions, not only amusement parks but also in natural settings.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system (1 ) for processing images or videos relating to a moving object (10), preferably for amusement parks, comprising: at least one recording camera (2) configured to photograph or record one or more subjects (30) arranged on board said moving object (10) and to generate a corresponding recording signal (3) containing at least one image or video (5) of the subject; a control unit (4) of the chamber (2) connected to the chamber (2) itself and configured to receive said recording signal (3); characterised in that said control unit (4) is configured to: process said image or video (5) contained in said recording signal (3); identify the outline of said one or more subjects (30) within said image or video (5); cut the part of image or video (5) that is external to said identified outline and corresponding to at least a part of the background of the same image or video (5); replace or modify said at least one background part of the same cut image or video (5), with a new modified or replaced background (7); integrate said new modified or replaced background (7) with said identified outline.

2. The system (1 ) according to claim 1 wherein said control unit (4) is configured to contour-cut said at least one background part with respect to the identified outline.

3. The system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said control unit (4) is configured to perform an artificial intelligence algorithm to identify the parts of images or videos to be cut with respect to the identified outline; said artificial intelligence algorithm provides for a training step thereof in relation to which a plurality of images / videos having image elements or parts to be cut are acquired; said artificial intelligence algorithm provides for identifying the parts of imagesor videos to be cut with respect to the identified outline according to the training performed.

4. The system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said chamber (2) is arranged in a stationary position with respect to the moving object (10).

5. The system (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said chamber (2) is arranged in a position integral with the moving object (10).

6. An attraction (100) for amusement parks comprising:- at least one moving object (10) having at least one station for at least one subject;- a circuit (20) on which said moving system (1 ) is mounted and along which it can be moved for performing at least one ride;- a system (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 mounted at said moving object (10) for capturing an image or video (5) of said at least one subject.

7. A method for processing images or videos relating to a moving object (10), preferably for amusement parks, comprising the following operating steps: providing at least one recording camera (2) configured to photograph or record one or more subjects (30) arranged on board said moving object (10) and to generate a corresponding recording signal (3) containing at least one image or video (5) of the subject; characterised in that it comprises the following operating steps: processing said image or video (5) contained in said recording signal (3); identifying the outline of said one or more subjects (30) within said image or video (5); cutting the part of image or video (5) that is external to said identified outline and corresponding to at least a part of the background of the same image or video (5); replacing or modifying said at least one background part of the sameimage or video (5), with respect to the cut image or video part (5), with a new modified or replaced background (7); integrating a new modified or replaced background (7) with said outline.

8. The method according to claim 7 characterised in that said step of cutting the subjects (30) is carried out by contour-cutting said at least one background part with respect to the identified outline.

9. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 8 wherein said control unit (4) is configured to perform an artificial intelligence algorithm to identify the parts of images or videos to be cut with respect to the identified outline; said artificial intelligence algorithm provides for a training step thereof in relation to which a plurality of images / videos having foreign elements to be cut are acquired; said artificial intelligence algorithm provides for identifying the parts of images or videos to be cut with respect to the identified outline according to the training performed.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein said chamber (2) is arranged in a stationary position with respect to the moving object (10).

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein said chamber (2) is arranged in a position integral with the moving object (10).

Images