Abstract: Equipment for displaying information carriers, especially for advertising purposes, has a chamber accommodating an information carrying device and constructed to make it possible to look into the internal space of the chamber. The chamber is provided with at least one transparent plate transverse to the direction of viewing. The information carrying device is on this plate. At least a part of the chamber wall has strips parallel to a strip in contact with the transparent plate. The information carrying device is formed by at least two objects situated on opposite sides of the transparent plate.

Abstract: In a computerized film (digital camera action) production system, a virtual director module takes responsibility for creating sets, and enabling cinematography by creating a synthetic parallax matching of a “set” image to what would have existed before a camera in real motion about the physical location represented. This overcomes failures typical of “green screen” technology in dealing with such conditions as shallow depth of field and low light. Computer generated, synthetic sets from a 3D animator may be projected behind real actors during or after filming. Sythetic sets are seen through a virtual camera as photo-realistic because they are skinned with textures, and structured geometrically, to match reality represented by actual still photography of a physical environment, such as buildings, walls, streets, landscapes, props, and the like.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first image pick-up unit, a projecting unit that projects imaging light, an optical unit that transmits part of light entering from a first image pick-up direction and guides the part of the light to the first image pick-up unit while reflecting part of the imaging light projected from the projecting unit and outputting the reflected light in the first image pick-up direction, and reflects part of light entering from a second image pick-up direction and guides the part of the light to the first image pick-up unit while transmitting part of the imaging light projected from the projecting unit and outputting the part of the imaging light in the second image pick-up direction, and an attenuating unit that is movably placed between two positions.

Abstract: There is provided a special effects greenscreen having a plurality of marks dispersed thereon in a selected pattern, wherein each of the marks is embedded in the greenscreen by weaving, knitting, felting, crocheting, screening, stamping, embossing or similar method to integrate the mark into the greenscreen material. The pattern may be a single repeated mark evenly spaced along horizontal lines, along vertical lines, or along both horizontal and vertical lines. The pattern may comprise a familiar ordered series of unique marks dispersed in a selected pattern on the greenscreen, for example, letters of the alphabet. The pattern may comprise a first mark embedded at a selected point on the greenscreen, a plurality of second marks each embedded a first distance away from the first mark, and a plurality of third marks each embedded a second distance from the first mark, wherein the second distance is greater than first distance.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for generating a visual image that is made to appear to be situated behind an architectural structure, such as a wall of a building, and is viewed through windows thereof. The image appears as an oversize object relative to the actual object. The system and method include an image recorder and/or a pre-recorded image, an image display apparatus, and a mask. Sound can be provided as required to complete the illusion. The image can be a still image or a moving image. In some embodiments, two viewers can see the image from opposite sides of the structure, each perceiving the image as being on the side opposite to the viewer. The system includes a video capture device and a display and an optional audio system for showing the person whose image is being projected the giant image as seen and heard by a viewer.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for generating a visual image that is made to appear to be situated behind an architectural structure, such as a wall of a building, and is viewed through windows thereof. The image appears as an oversize object relative to the actual object. The system and method include an image recorder and/or a pre-recorded image, an image display apparatus, and a mask. Upon being projected, the image of interest is masked so that illumination falls on one or more regions of a display surface, and no illumination reaches the architectural structure outside the display region(s). Sound can be provided as required to complete the illusion. The image can be a still image or a moving image. In some embodiments, two viewers can see the image from opposite sides of the structure, each perceiving the image as being on the side opposite to the viewer.

Abstract: A device for moving 3-dimensional objects in a projection space of a projection system is disclosed. The device includes a rotating device and a moving belt countersunk in the rotating disk. The rotating disk and/or the moving belt have sensors for detecting movement of an object on the rotating disk and/or the moving belt, and the moving belt and/or the rotating disk are driven with the help of a control/regulation device as a function of a detected movement of the object.

Abstract: A computer operated man assisted motion generation system for use with a camera in cinematography. The system responds to the measured or sensed position of a camera support such as a crane or dolly, and determines the desired camera pan, tilt, roll, focus, zoom, etc. based on predetermined correspondence between camera location and camera parameters, and generate movement of the camera and camera control accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing a photographic image sequence showing an apparent movement of a camera in an x-axis direction, with respect to a filmed object, without actual movement of the camera along the x-axis.

Abstract: A theater includes an audience seating area, a stage and at least three projection screens. Multiple film projectors simultaneously project a three dimensional film onto the three projection screens. Three dimensional film elements appear to move seamlessly from one projection screen to the next. In a live action show, actors, stage sets and show action equipment appear to interact with the three dimensional film. The filmed set blends with the stage sets to give dimension and a feeling of depth to the viewing audience. The audience cannot easily distinguish between the real elements and filmed elements thereby intensifying the theater experience.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for background generation and chroma replacement for use with video and digital imaging that includes motion pictures, television, commercial and portrait photography. The present invention comprises a projection device that generates and projects a background image where the projection device further comprises a front projecting device and a retroreflective screen. The front projection device couples to a camera and comprises a projector with a removeable filter coupled to a beamsplitter enclosure. The beamsplitter enclosure comprises a beamsplitter with a quick connect coupling. A sizing ring couples the quick connect coupling to the camera lens. The removable filter in the projector may comprise a solid colored filter or a photographic image.

Abstract: A computer operated man assisted motion generation system for use with a camera in cinematography. The system responds to the measured or sensed position of a camera support such as a crane or dolly, and determines the desired camera pan, tilt, roll, focus, zoom, etc. based on predetermined correspondence between camera location and camera parameters, and generate movement of the camera and camera control accordingly.

Abstract: A shadowless background board for photography, a subject to be photographed being placed in front of the board and being illuminated by light rays directed toward the board. The shadow cast on the board by the subject creates thereon a shadow zone bordered or surrounded by an illuminated region. The board is constituted by a translucent light-diffusing front panel behind which is a light distributor responsive to light rays inmpinging on the illuminated region on the panel and adapted to convey these rays to the shadow zone and thereby illuminate this zone. The light distributor is in the form of a light-conducting circuit matrix having a network of light-conducting lines, either end of each line functioning as a light input to the line or as an output therefore. The ends of the lines engage respective sites on an array thereof that is uniformly distributed throughout the rear surface of the translucent panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for causing a video camera to produce a video signal to selectively cue special effects, comprising an optical chromakey field including a transparent assembly an illumination apparatus. The transparent assembly is placed in the field of view of the video camera. The on-camera talent can see through the transparent assembly to view a monitor or other object located behind the transparent assembly. The illumination apparatus selectively illuminates the transparent assembly. The transparent assembly presents light of a certain color for reception by the video camera. When special effects are selected, the video camera produces a characteristic video signal operative to cue the special effects.

Abstract: A photographic cove for use in photographic studios and the like comprises a plurality of portable pre-fabricated modular units (1) each having a front surface (2), which in some units is concave, and mating side surfaces (3). The units (1) are releasably secured together by means (7, 8 or 10, 11). Means (5, 14 or 20) support the assembled cove.