Virtual Studio Image Processing for Wider Background Awareness

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In-camera VFX video capture is challenging due to the background image changing with camera position and orientation, making it difficult to recognize the background outside the shooting area.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus generates a first image based on the camera's viewpoint, displays a part of this image as a background on a display device, and outputs a second image with a broader field of view to an external device, assisting in-camera VFX video capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a display device shows only the captured area as background image, then the display device can show the shooting area clearly, but the user cannot recognize the background outside the shooting area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of background display in shooting areaVSAvoidbackground information outside shooting area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the background image display into two separate segments: the display device shows the captured area (shooting area) while the imaging device's output shows the wider background area. This segmentation allows each display channel to fulfill its specific function without conflict, resolving the contradiction between showing detailed shooting area and broader background context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds an additional dimension to the display system by outputting the wider field of view background image to an external device beyond the built-in display. This creates a multi-dimensional display architecture where different viewing angles and scopes are available simultaneously, allowing users to access both the detailed shooting area and the broader background context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the background image changes dynamically with camera position and orientation, then the background image remains synchronized with camera movement, but it becomes difficult to recognize the background outside the current shooting area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization between background image and camera positionVSAvoidbackground context information
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the background information display into two channels: one synchronized with camera position (display device showing captured area) and one providing broader context (external device showing wider field of view). This allows dynamic synchronization to be maintained where needed while preserving contextual information separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging device acts as an intermediary that processes and distributes background image information to two different destinations with different requirements. It generates the first image based on camera viewpoint, then distributes portions to the display device and external device, mediating between the camera's dynamic position and the diverse display requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the display device shows a smaller captured area, then the shooting area can be displayed in detail, but the field of view is limited and background context is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetail display of captured areaVSAvoidfield of view of background image
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the field of view requirements into two parts: the display device handles the detailed captured area with smaller field of view, while the external device handles the broader background context with larger field of view. This segmentation allows each display to optimize for its specific purpose without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the display architecture to another dimension by utilizing an external device in addition to the built-in display. This creates a multi-layered display system where different field of view requirements are satisfied simultaneously across different display dimensions and devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4676019A1Image processing device and image processing method, virtual studio system, and imaging device
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 CANON KK
  • EP4676019A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4676019A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4676019A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image processing apparatus capable of assisting capture of in-camera VFX video while recognizing what a background image outside a shooting area is, is disclosed. The image processing apparatus causes a part of a first image that is based on a viewpoint of an image capture apparatus to be displayed on a display device. The image processing apparatus further outputs, to an external device different from the display device, a second image, which is a part of the first image, that includes a portion of the first image corresponding to a captured area captured by the image capture apparatus and that has a greater field of view than the captured area.