Virtual Production Headrig with Automatic Camera Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current virtual production methods for films face challenges in efficiently integrating computer-generated three-dimensional environments, objects, and characters with motion-capture data, particularly in terms of camera orientation, lighting synchronization, and network control, which can lead to inefficiencies and discomfort for actors during live-action shoots.

Innovation Solution

The development of a headrig system with a configurable boom and camera assembly that includes wireless or wired connections for camera and illumination control, infrared lighting synchronized with camera exposure, and a web interface for networked control, enabling automatic image orientation and phase accurate synchronization, along with wearable recorders and active markers for enhanced virtual production capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual methods are used for camera operation and lighting control during live-action shoots, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but integration efficiency with virtual elements and actor comfort are deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration efficiencyVSAvoidactor comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The headrig system enables automatic camera operation through motion capture technology, where the camera automatically follows and frames the actor based on captured movement data. Lighting equipment also operates automatically based on scene requirements and camera position, reducing manual intervention and improving integration efficiency while maintaining actor comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical camera operation and lighting control are replaced with automated digital systems. Motion capture data drives automated camera positioning and framing, while digital lighting control systems adjust illumination based on virtual environment requirements, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustments during shooting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated camera operation and lighting synchronization systems are implemented, then integration efficiency with virtual elements is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual production efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headrig system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: motion capture, automated camera control, lighting synchronization, and data management all operate through one unified system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the advanced capabilities provided.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise lighting synchronization with camera exposure is implemented, then visual effects quality is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting synchronization precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Lighting is synchronized with camera exposure using periodic pulsed illumination that matches the camera's frame rate. Lights are activated only during specific exposure intervals rather than continuously, achieving precise synchronization for visual effects while significantly reducing overall energy consumption through intermittent operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances the integration of virtual elements with live-action data, reduces actor discomfort, and improves the efficiency of virtual production by allowing for automatic camera orientation, precise lighting control, and efficient data management, facilitating more effective virtual filmmaking processes.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared illumination source mounted on a portion of the boom forward relative to the shell front

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

at least one illumination source facing towards the shell front to provide illumination to and a camera image of the face of a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10819886B2Systems, methods and apparatuses for film virtual production

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORP

AI summary

Systems, methods and apparatuses for film virtual production include a headrig having a shell, a boom, a camera assembly and a control pod, the boom configured to release from a first side of said shell and secure to the shell at an opposite, second side, wherein repositioning from the first side of the shell to the opposite, second side results in a flip of the camera assembly.