Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing a user-selectable image using a template overlay kit are described. The template overlay kit comprises a template portfolio including a first template page having a design template configured to receive a user marking. The template overlay kit further comprises an overlay kit application that, when executed by a computing device, receives a captured image of the design template and the user marking, and generates a custom digital overlay in a display of the computing device. A custom digital overlay is generated from a digital overlay template that incorporates the user marking received by the design template. The overlay kit application then augments one or more facial features detected in the user-selectable image using the custom digital overlay incorporating the user marking.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed an animation kit including a template page with at least one template design, an armature that moves between at least a first position and a second position, and an animation application that generates an animated segment corresponding to the template design and at least one pose of the armature. In further embodiments, a method for generating an animated segment is provided. In another embodiment, a system for generating an animated sequence includes a template design and an application that receives an image of the template design and animates at least one three-dimensional image corresponding to the captured template design.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed an animation kit including a template page with at least one template design, an armature that moves between at least a first position and a second position, and an animation application that generates an animated segment corresponding to the template design and at least one pose of the armature. In further embodiments, a method for generating an animated segment is provided. In another embodiment, a system for generating an animated sequence includes a template design and an application that receives an image of the template design and animates at least one three-dimensional image corresponding to the captured template design.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, methods and systems for creating a customized colorable image of a user. An exemplary method may include receiving an indication of a selected colorable background. The method may further include capturing a real-time image of the user, where the user is adjacent to a predetermined background. An image of the predetermined background may be filtered out of the real-time image of the user to generate a filtered real-time image of the user. Then, the filtered real-time image of the user against the selected colorable background may be presented.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus for accurately generating a hand-drawn reproduction of an image or object is provided. The drawing apparatus includes a mirror and reflective filter arrangement that allows a user to view, through a single eyepiece, both the object being reproduced and the drawing surface where the user generates a hand-drawn reproduction of the viewed drawing object. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an adjustable, angled stand for supporting the drawing object, and a drawing surface for generating hand-drawn reproductions. As viewed through the single eyepiece, an image of the drawing surface appears superimposed on the drawing object being reproduced. In further embodiments, the single eyepiece is used with a selectable filter arrangement for adjusting the amount of focus on the drawing surface and/or drawing object.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, methods and systems for creating a customized colorable image of a user. An exemplary method may include receiving an indication of a selected colorable background. The method may further include capturing a real-time image of the user, where the user is adjacent to a predetermined background. An image of the predetermined background may be filtered out of the real-time image of the user to generate a filtered real-time image of the user. Then, the filtered real-time image of the user against the selected colorable background may be presented.

Abstract: A method of generating user-created animated artwork from a photo string is provided. Embodiments include selection of an original image, such as a photograph, for generation of a drawn image. The original image may be cropped to a particular dimension and an animation material and/or “string” texture may be selected for generating an unwound drawing string. As an image is converted into artwork by the user, a segment of pixels of the selected image is sequentially separated from the original image and used to create the drawing string. In embodiments, the detached portion of the original image is blurred to create a solid band of color correspondings to the original image. The drawn image may be configured for animation with respect to the original image.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus for accurately generating a hand-drawn reproduction of an image or object is provided. The drawing apparatus includes a mirror and reflective filter arrangement that allows a user to view, through a single eyepiece, both the object being reproduced and the drawing surface where the user generates a hand-drawn reproduction of the viewed drawing object. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an adjustable, angled stand for supporting the drawing object, and a drawing surface for generating hand-drawn reproductions. As viewed through the single eyepiece, an image of the drawing surface appears superimposed on the drawing object being reproduced. In further embodiments, the single eyepiece is used with a selectable filter arrangement for adjusting the amount of focus on the drawing surface and/or drawing object.