Outdoor photography system

A photography system provides a photography station which can be conveniently set up and provides consistent quality of photographs regardless of ambient conditions. The system includes a digital camera, a ring flash, and a tent providing a subject space for arranging the subject during photography. The tent is configured to surround the subject to at least partially isolate the subject from the surroundings. The system further includes a background unit arranged within the tent to allow for subsequent background replacement processing.

BACKGROUND

Portrait photographs are often taken with digital cameras in portrait studios or outside environments. One of the advantages that digital photography has over traditional film-based photography is that digital images can be further processed even after the camera has taken and stored the image. Because the digital image is stored as digital data that fully describes the digital image, digital processing can be used to manipulate that data in a wide variety of ways. Such digital processing includes background replacement technology. Background replacement technology typically operates to remove portions of an image associated with a background behind the subject, and to replace those portions of the image with one or more replacement images.

Outdoor photography is performed in various situations. One example is to take photographs of athletes in an outdoor sports team. In another example, other people doing outdoor activities, such as students in outdoor sports teams, can be photographed in an outdoor environment. Photographs of such athletes or other people are often taken outdoors in the natural sports team setting. One challenge of outdoor photography is that background replacement can be difficult for such outdoor photographs. Background replacement technology involves a process of accurately distinguishing the background from the subject in a photograph. However, the quality of photographs taken outdoors is typically poor and inconsistent due to various uncontrollable factors, such as inconsistent natural light, changing ambient conditions (e.g., wind), and undesirable background scenes (e.g., moving or distracting objects present behind the subject). In addition, a photography station needs to be configured such that a photographer can conveniently transport and set up the photography station at an outdoor site and easily capture photographs of a consistent quality suitable for background replacement.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this disclosure is directed to an outdoor photography system. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, the system includes an outdoor tent for arranging a subject and an image capture system capturing an image of the subject. Various aspects are described in this disclosure, which include, but are not limited to, the following aspects.

One aspect is a photography system including a digital camera unit arranged and configured to capture a digital image of a subject, a light assembly comprising a ring flash arranged with respect to the digital camera unit, and a tent providing a subject space for arranging the subject during photography. The tent is configured to surround the subject to at least partially isolate the subject from surroundings. The tent has an open side through which the digital camera unit captures the digital image of the subject. The system further includes a background unit that is arranged within the tent to provide a background when the subject is photographed by the digital camera unit.

Another aspect is a method for capturing a digital image of a subject in an outdoor environment. The method includes setting up an outdoor tent in the outdoor environment, the outdoor tent having an open side; arranging a digital camera unit toward the open side of the outdoor tent; mounting a ring flash unit relative to the digital camera unit; arranging the subject within the outdoor tent to surround the subject; controlling the ring flash unit to illuminate the subject through the open side of the tent; and controlling the digital camera unit to capture a digital image through the open side of the tent while the ring flash unit is illuminated.

Yet another aspect is a photography system including a digital camera unit arranged and configured to capture a digital image of a subject, a light assembly comprising a ring flash arranged with respect to the digital camera unit, an outdoor tent providing a subject space for arranging the subject during photography. The outdoor tent is configured to surround the subject to at least partially isolate the subject from surroundings. The outdoor tent has an open side through which the digital camera unit captures the digital image of the subject. The system further includes a background unit that is arranged within the outdoor tent to provide a background when the subject is photographed by the digital camera unit. The system can also include a computing device having a processing device, and at least one computer readable storage device storing data instructions, which when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to: detect a background scene in the digital image associated with the background unit, and distinguish the background scene from the subject in the digital image based at least in part upon the detected background scene.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views.

FIG. 1illustrates an example photography station100for outdoor photography. In one example, the photography station100, which is also referred to herein as a photography system, includes an image capture system102and a station assembly104.

In some embodiments, the photography station100is configured for capturing a photograph of a subject in an outdoor environment. For example, the photography station100is used to take photographs of athletes. In another example, other people doing outdoor activities, such as students in outdoor sports teams, can be photographed using the photography station100. Photographs of such athletes or other people can be taken in an outdoor environment to provide more energetic and lively expressions of the athletes or people. It is also more convenient for such athletes or people to be photographed because they are already at the playing field in their natural outdoor setting. However, as described herein, the quality of photographs taken at outdoor environments can be poor or inconsistent for various reasons. For example, the photography station100can be set up any place where subjects are present for outdoor activities, such as football, soccer, or baseball. Thus, various elements that affect the quality of photographs are not controllable during photography. Some examples of such uncontrollable elements include inconsistent natural light (e.g., too bright of a light or lack of light), changing ambient conditions (e.g., wind), and undesirable background scenes (e.g., moving or distracting objects behind the subject). As described herein, the photography station100is configured to enable a photographer to easily set up the station100and capture quality photographs of subjects regardless of ambient conditions around the photography station.

The image capture system102includes one or more devices for capturing a subject arranged at the station assembly104. Various devices of the image capture system102is illustrated and described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.

The station assembly104is configured to arrange the subject and provides an optimal environment in which outdoor photographs are captured to be suitable for background replacement processing. In some embodiments, the station assembly104includes a tent122and a background unit124.

The tent122is configured to be set up in an outdoor environment and provides a subject space126at which a subject is placed for photography. An example of the tent122is further described and illustrated with reference toFIG. 9.

The background unit124provides an area or scenery behind the subject standing in front of the image capture system102. The subject arranged between the image capture system102and the background unit124. An example of the background unit124is described and illustrated with reference toFIG. 10.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, an example image capture system102is further described and illustrated.FIG. 2is a front perspective view of an example image capture system102, andFIG. 3is a rear perspective view of the image capture system102ofFIG. 2. In some embodiments, the image capture system102includes a camera112, a light assembly114, a stand116, and a portable power supply118.

The camera112is typically a digital camera that operates to capture digital images of one or more subjects. An example of camera112is described and illustrated in more detail herein with reference toFIG. 4.

The light assembly114is configured to mount to the camera112and illuminate a subject arranged within the tent122as described herein. The light assembly114can be synchronized with the camera112. As described herein, the light assembly114includes a ring light. An example of the light assembly114is further described and illustrated inFIGS. 5-7.

In some embodiments, the light assembly114is a main light used for photography. In this configuration, the light assembly114can be used as the only lighting device for illuminating the subject, and any other lights, such as fill lights, edge lights, and background lights, are not used. For example, a ring light250(e.g., a ring flash) is the only lighting device of the light assembly114. In some embodiments the light assembly114is free from any other light sources for illuminating the subject. In other embodiments, the light assembly114is used with one or more other lights arranged apart from the light assembly114.

The stand116is configured to mount the camera112. In some embodiments, the stand116is further configured to mount the light assembly114. The stand116can have various configurations, such as a tripod or other support structure. In some embodiments, the height of the camera112is manually adjusted. In other embodiments, the height of the camera112is adjusted by a motor coupled to a shaft of the tripod. When the motor rotates, the shaft of the tripod extends or contracts to raise or lower the camera112. In some embodiments, the camera112is mounted to the shaft at a fixed and non-variable angle relative to the vertical shaft of tripod. In other embodiments, the camera112is mounted to be adjustable in angle and/or orientation relative to the vertical shaft of tripod.

The portable power supply118is used to supply power to either or both of the camera112and the light assembly114. In some embodiments, the portable power supply118is used as a secondary power source when the camera112and/or the light assembly114have, or are connected to, their own power supply. In other embodiments, the portable power supply118is used as a primary power source for the camera112and the light assembly114. In this example, the portable power supply118is a battery, which is single-use or rechargeable. In some embodiments, the portable power supply118is mounted to the stand116.

In some alternate embodiments, one or more of the camera112, the light assembly114, the stand116, and/or the portable power supply118are a single device. For example, in some embodiments, the camera112and the light assembly114are configured as a single device that illuminates a subject and captures digital images of the subject. In other embodiments, additional devices are used to perform one or more functions of these devices.

FIG. 4is a schematic block diagram of an example camera112. The camera112is typically a digital camera including at least an electronic image sensor202for converting an optical image to an electric signal, a processor204for controlling the operation of the camera112, and a memory206for storing the electric signal in the form of digital image data.

An example of the electronic image sensor202is a charge-coupled device (CCD). Another example of the electronic image sensor202is a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) active-pixel sensor. The electronic image sensor202receives light from a subject and background and converts the received light into electrical signals. The signals are converted into a voltage, which is then sampled, digitized, and stored as digital image data in the memory206.

The memory206can include various different forms of computer readable storage media, such as random access memory. In some embodiments, the memory206includes a memory card. A wide variety of memory cards are available for use in various embodiments. Examples include: a CompactFlash (CF) memory card (including type I or type II), a Secure Digital (SD) memory card, a mini Secure Digital (mini SD) memory card, a micro Secure Digital (microSD) memory card, a smart media (SM/SMC) card, a Multimedia Card (MMC), an xD-Picture Card (xD), a memory stick (MS) including any of the variations of memory sticks, an NT card, and a USB memory stick (such as a flash-type memory stick). Other embodiments include other types of memory, such as those described herein, or yet other types of memory.

In some embodiments, the camera112includes three main sections: a lens208, a mechanical shutter210, and a CCD element202. Generally, the CCD element202has relatively rapid exposure speeds.

The lens208is located in front of the shutter210and is selected to provide the appropriate photographic characteristics of light transmission, depth of focus, etc. The lens208has an aperture220through which light travels into the camera body. The size (“diaphragm”) of the aperture220is expressed in f-stops and adjustable through an aperture controller222. The aperture controller222is used to mechanically adjust the size of the aperture220to set different f-stops of the digital camera112.

A zoom controller214is also provided in some embodiments to mechanically adjust the lens208to cause the digital camera112to zoom in and out on a subject. The zoom controller214typically includes a motor that adjusts the lens208accordingly.

In some embodiments, the lens208is selected between 30 and 350 mm, with the image taken at an f-stop generally in the range of f5 to f22. This provides a zone focus for the image. It also generally eliminates concerns regarding ambient light. However, it will be appreciated that other numbers of lenses, focusing, and f-stops may be employed in connection with the present invention.

The camera112provides a camera control interface224for controlling operation of the camera112. In addition, in some embodiments, the camera control interface224can be used to control the light assembly114.

In some embodiments, the camera control interface224includes a shutter release for activating the shutter and capturing a photograph, a controller (e.g., jog dial) for adjusting aperture and/or shutter speed settings, a shooting mode controller (e.g., shooting mode dial) for selecting shooting type (e.g., Program Auto Exposure, Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, and Manual), a zoom controller (e.g., a zoom ring) for zooming in and out, a focus controller (e.g., focus ring) for manually adjusting focus, an ISO setting button for adjusting ISO settings, and other buttons, controls, switches, and levers for changing different photography settings and features. In other embodiments, the camera control interface224is at least partially implemented on a touch-sensitive display of the camera112.

For example, a photographer uses the camera control interface224to control the lens208and the shutter210. To control the shutter, the processor204can receive a corresponding user input (e.g., a capture input) through the camera control interface224and generates a signal (e.g., a shutter release signal or a shutter speed adjustment signal) that is communicated to the shutter controller212of the camera112. Upon receiving a user input for controlling the aperture, an aperture adjustment signal can be generated from the processor204and communicated to the aperture controller222. Upon receiving a user input of zooming, a zooming signal can be generated from the processor204and communicated to the zoom controller214. Other embodiments can use other methods and devices to initiate the image capture and control various features of the camera.

In some possible embodiments a remote control is provided to receive inputs from the photographer. The inputs are communicated either via a wire or wirelessly to the camera112, which interprets them similarly to inputs received through the camera control interface224.

In some embodiments, the digital camera112includes a video camera interface216and a data interface218. The video camera interface216communicates live video data from the digital camera112to another computing device in some embodiments. The data interface218is a data communication interface that sends and receives digital data to communicate with another device. For example, in some embodiments, the data interface218receives image capture messages from another device that instructs the digital camera112to capture one or more digital images. The data interface218is also used in some embodiments to transfer captured digital images from the memory206to another device. Examples of the video camera interface216and the data interface218are USB interfaces. In some embodiments, the video camera interface216and the data interface218are the same, while in other embodiments they are separate interfaces.

In some embodiments, the camera112includes a light control interface226configured to connect one or more lights and synchronize operation of the lights with capturing of photographs. In this example, the light control interface226allows the camera112to control the operation of the light assembly114. As described herein, the light assembly114can be connected to the camera112through the light control interface226and controlled by the camera112. For example, a photographer can at least partially control the light assembly114through the camera control interface224such that a shutter release of the camera112is synchronized with illumination of the light assembly114. In this example, the light control interface226can provide a physical interface or port, such as a sync interface274(FIG. 7).

The light control interface226can be of various forms. In one example, the light control interface226is a hot shoe, which is typically a mounting point on the top of the camera to attach a flash unit and other compatible accessories. The light assembly114can be connected to the hot shoe of the camera112through a cord or cable. In another example, the light control interface226is a wireless communication interface which wirelessly connects between the camera112and the light assembly114.

In some embodiments, the light control interface226is a send only interface that does not receive return communications from the lights. Other embodiments permit bidirectional communication. The light control interface226is operable to selectively illuminate one or more lights at a given time. The operation of the camera112, such as a shutter release, is synchronized with the illumination of the light assembly114.

In some embodiments, the camera112includes an input/output interface228for connecting one or more input devices, such as a remote control230. The input devices can be connected by any number of the input/output interfaces228in various embodiments, such as a parallel port, serial port, game port, universal serial bus, or wireless interface.

Referring toFIGS. 5-7, an example light assembly114is described and illustrated.FIG. 5is a front perspective view of an example light assembly114, which is mounted to the camera112,FIG. 6is a front perspective view of the light assembly114without a diffuser, andFIG. 7is a rear perspective view of the light assembly114ofFIG. 5.

The light assembly114is configured to illuminate a subject while capturing a photograph of the subject in an outdoor environment. The light assembly114provides consistent light throughout the subject regardless of the amount of ambient light at the outdoor site. In some embodiments, the light assembly114is configured to overpower all possible levels of ambient light and create soft shadows all the way around the subject. Soft shadows are shadows that gradually change behind the subject and allow background replacement software to easily identify the background from the subject. The effect of the light assembly114of the present disclosure is further described and illustrated in reference toFIG. 15.

In some embodiments, the light assembly114includes a ring light250as illustrated inFIGS. 5-7. The ring light250is configured to produce lighting with a soft shadow behind the subject in outdoor photography. In some embodiments, the ring light250is configured as a ring flash. An example of the ring light250is AlienBees ABR900 available from Paul C. Buff, Inc., Nashville, Tenn.

The ring light250includes a ring reflector252, a light element254, and a diffuser246. The ring reflector252, the light element254, and the diffuser256are mounted to a body258.

The ring reflector252has a diameter D1ranging between 5 inches and 15 inches in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the diameter D1of the ring reflector252ranges between 7 inches and 13 inches. In yet other embodiments, the diameter D1of the ring reflector252is about 10 inches. The ring reflector252is designed to have a beam spread B1(FIG. 14) ranging between 45 degrees and 115 degrees in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the beam spread B1of the ring reflector252ranges between 10 degrees and 60 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the beam spread B1of the ring reflector252is about 80 degrees.

The light element254is configured to be placed in the ring reflector252and shaped in a circle to be arranged around the lens of the camera112when the ring light250is mounted to the camera112. In some embodiments, the light element254includes one or more flashtubes. In some embodiments, the light element254is made in a single circular flashtube. In other embodiments, the light element254includes a plurality of flashtubes. For example, two half-circle flashtubes can be arranged together to make a circular light. In some embodiments, the light element254has a color temperature over 5000K, the range being typically referred to as cool colors and resembling daylight. In other embodiments, the color temperature of the light element254is about 5600 K. An example of the light element254can be formed with two of identical flashtubes, which have part number ABRFT 10 MM available from Paul C. Buff, Inc., Nashville, Tenn. In addition, the light element254can include a plurality of modeling lamps, such as eight (8) 10-watt modeling lamps.

In other embodiments, the light element254includes a plurality of light bulbs or light elements that are arranged around the lens of the camera112. In some examples, the plurality of light bulbs can be equally spaced apart from each other around a center hole260of the light assembly114. In other examples, the plurality of light bulbs can be symmetrically arranged around the center hole260of the light assembly114. In yet other embodiments, the plurality of light bulbs can be spaced differently.

In some embodiments, the light element254is arranged ahead of the face of lens of the camera112. In other embodiments, the light element254is arranged to be substantially flush with the lens face of the camera112. In yet other embodiments, the light element254is arranged behind the lens face of the camera112.

The diffuser256is disposed over the light element254to spread out or scatter light from the light element254, thereby preventing the light from coming from concentrated sources. The diffuser256has a diameter D2ranging between 3 inches and 13 inches in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the diameter D2of the diffuser256ranges between 5 inches and 11 inches. In yet other embodiments, the diameter D2of the diffuser256is about 8 inches.

The ring light250has a center hole260through which the lens of the camera112is exposed. The ring reflector252, the light element254, and the diffuser246are arranged around the center hole260so as to provide consistent illumination around the lens208of the camera112. The center hole260has a diameter D3ranging between 2 inches and 6 inches. In other embodiments, the diameter D3of the center hole260is around 4 inches.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, a control interface261of the ring light250can be provided at a rear side of the ring light250. The control interface261includes a flash power control262, a modeling lamp control264, a flash test control266, a remote controller interface268, a reflector lock control270, a power cord interface272, and a sync interface274.

The flash power control262is used to adjust a flash power of the light element254. In some embodiments, the ring light250is configured to have a flash duration (t.5), which describes the time it takes for 50% of the total flash power to be dissipated, has 1/2000 seconds at full power. The ring light250can have true watt second of about 320 Ws and Lumen second of about 14,000 Ls. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 7, the flash power control262is configured to adjust a flash power from the full power to 1/32 of the full power. Other power variabilities are also possible in other embodiments.

The modeling lamp control264is to control the modeling lights or lamps provided to the light assembly114. A modeling light can be a continuous light source located in proximity to a flash tube to allow a photographer to visually sense the lighting effect the flash, when it fires, will create. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 7, the modeling lamp control264allows changing the mode of modeling lamp, such as “ON,” “TRACK,” and “CYCLE.”

The flash test control266is used to test a flash light when it is used as the light element254. The remote controller interface268provides an interface, such as a cable port, to which a connectorized cable from a remote controller is plugged. In some embodiments, the light assembly114is controlled by a remote controller, and the cable is used to connect the light assembly114to the remote controller. In other embodiments, a control device separate from the camera112can be used as the remote controller.

The reflector lock control270is a switch to lock or unlock the ring reflector252to or from the body258. The power cord interface272provides an outlet to connect to a power supply, such as the portable power supply118, via a power cord276. The sync interface274is an interface for connecting the light assembly114to the camera112so that the light assembly114is synchronized with the camera112in operation. In some embodiments, a cable is used to connect between the camera112and the light assembly114. For example, the cable has a first end plugged into the sync interface274at the light assembly114and a second end mounted to an output interface, such as a hot shoe, of the camera112.

FIG. 8illustrates an example mounting device280for mounting the light assembly114to the stand116. In addition, the mounting device280is configured to support the camera112at a predetermined position relative to the light assembly114. In some embodiments, the mounting device280is configured to be attached on the top of the stand116. In other embodiments, the mounting device280can be attached to other locations of the stand116.

The mounting device280includes a light mounting portion282for adjustably attaching the ring light250so that the ring light250vertically moves and changes its height relative to the mounting device280. Further, the mounting device280provides a camera mounting portion284for supporting the camera112and adjusting the position of the camera112relative to the ring light250.

FIG. 9illustrates an example tent122ofFIG. 1. The tent122can be set up in an outdoor environment and arrange a subject at the subject space126within the tent122. The tent122is configured to surround a subject to at least partially isolate the subject from surroundings.

In some embodiments, the tent122has a top cover302, a rear cover304, a first side cover306, and an opposite second side cover308. These covers302,304,306, and308are arranged and configured to surround a subject arranged on the subject space126within the tent122such that the subject is not affected by ambient conditions, such as natural light, wind, and background scenes.

The tent122further includes an open side310through which the camera112captures a photograph of the subject at the tent122. The open side310is arranged opposite to the rear cover304. The open side310is sized such that the tent122or a portion thereof is not significantly captured in a photograph taken by the camera112when the camera112captures the photograph of a subject.

The tent122can be for various shapes. The tent122includes a frame312which can be set up at the site, and the frame312can be covered by one or more panels314to form the top cover302, the rear cover304, and the first and second side covers306and308. The panels can be made from various materials, such as fabric, plastic, paper, and other suitable materials. The panels can be configured to at least partially prevent natural light from passing therethrough so that the natural light does not interfere with capturing a photograph of the subject in the tent. In some examples, the panels314can be made from polyester materials having various thicknesses, such as 300 denier or 600 denier.

In some embodiments, the panels314are attached to the frame312in various methods. In some examples, hook-and-loop fasteners (also known as Velcro) are used to fix the panels314to the frame312. The tent122can further provide stake loops318to fasten the tent122to the ground with stakes. Other methods can be used to fix the tent122to the ground in other embodiments.

The tent122can have various dimensions. The dimension of the tent122can vary depending on how many subjects are to be arranged together within the tent122. In some examples, the tent122has a first length L1ranging between about 3 feet and about 30 feet, a second length L2ranging between about 3 feet and about 20 feet, and a third length L3(e.g., a height of the open side310) ranging between about 5 feet and about 8 feet. By way of example, the first length L1, the second length L2, and the third length L3of the tent122can be about 5 feet, about 5 feet, and about 7 feet, respectively.

FIG. 10illustrates an example background unit124ofFIG. 1. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 13, the background unit124is configured to be arranged at the rear cover304so that the background unit124is arranged behind the subject within the tent122. In some embodiments, the background unit124is hung from a portion of the frame312or a portion of the panels314of the tent122. In other embodiments, the background unit124is attached to a portion of the frame312or a portion of the panels314with fasteners of various types.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, the background unit124has a first side322and a second side324and has different colors on the first side322and the second side324. The background unit124can be selectively arranged to place either the first side322or the second side324behind the subject. In some examples, the first side322and the second side324are configured to have two different colors which are primarily used for background replacement technology. For example, the first side322and the second side324have different monochromatic colors, such as saturated green and blue, respectively, for chroma key compositing (also referred to as chroma green and chroma blue).

The choice of color for the background unit123can depend at least partly on the effects needed for specific photographs and the subjects to be photographed. Where blue and green screens are used, the choice between the two colors is driven by the clothing the subject wears. In some embodiments, the green background is primarily used unless the subject's clothing is green, in which case the background unit123can be flipped around to show the blue side. Although green and blue are popular, other embodiments can utilize other colors and/or patterns.

FIG. 11illustrates an example method400for performing outdoor photography using the station100shown inFIG. 1. The method400can begin at operation402, in which a photography station kit is carried or transferred to an outdoor photography site. For example, a photographer or a group of photographers can carry the photography station kit to an outdoor site at which the photography station is set up and photographs are captured using the station. The photography station kit includes the devices, elements, parts, assemblies, subassemblies, and/or components that are necessary to set up and operate the system100. An example of the photography station kit is illustrated inFIG. 12.

At operation404, the photography station100is set up on a desirable location at the site. For example, the tent122is set up at a desirable location at the site, and the background unit124is arranged within the tent122to provide a background when a subject is photographed by the camera112. The image capture system102is also set up at the site. In some embodiments, the image capture system102is arranged in a predetermined location with respect to the tent122. An example arrangement of the image capture system102and the station assembly104(including the tent122) is illustrated with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14.

At operation406, once all the photographs have been taken, the photography station100is disassembled and removed from the site. At operation410, the photographs taken by the camera112are processed for background replacement. In some embodiments, the photographs are transferred to a computing device which then operates to perform background replacement processing. In other embodiments, the photographs are processed at least partially in the camera112for background replacement processing. An example background replacement process is described with reference toFIG. 16.

FIG. 12illustrates an example photography station kit430. The kit430includes a tent carrier432containing all parts of the tent122, a background unit bag434for carrying the background unit124, a camera box436containing all parts of the camera112and the stand116, and an accessory box438containing various parts and accessories including the light assembly114, the portable power supply118, and other things necessary or helpful for outdoor photography. As illustrated, the kit430including the tent carrier432, the background unit bag434, the camera box436, and the accessory box438can be simply packed up and carried with a small rolling cart440.

Referring toFIGS. 13-14, an example arrangement and set-up of the photography station100is described.FIG. 13illustrates that the photography station100is set up in an outdoor environment, andFIG. 14is a schematic top view of the arrangement of the photography station100ofFIG. 13.

As depicted inFIG. 13, a subject S is arranged at the subject space126in front of the background unit124within the tent122. The subject S is posed toward the camera112through the open side310of the tent122. The tent122is arranged to reduce the effect of ambient conditions, such as natural light and wind. The tent122is further used to prevent the surrounding scenes from being captured in photographs of the subject S and thus make background replacement processing simple and fast.

In some embodiments, the subject S can be a person or a group of people. Such a person or a group of people can be one or those who are involved in outdoor activities. As described herein, the photograph station100according to the present disclosure can be easily carried to an outdoor site where the subject S perform outdoor activities, and set up at an outdoor location close to the site, so that the subject S briefly attends for photography while doing the outdoor activities. Therefore, the subject S does not need to visit an indoor photography station to take a photograph (such as an athlete biography or profile image) relating to the outdoor activity in which the subject S is involved.

In other embodiments, the subject S can be any non-human object or a group of non-human objects. Examples of the subject S include an animal, plant, product, and anything suitable for photography.

As described herein, the subject S can also be located at an indoor setting where the photography station of the present disclosure is used at an indoor location.

Referring toFIG. 14, the image capture system102and the station assembly104are set up in a predetermined arrangement. In some examples, the subject S is spaced apart at a first distance D11from the background unit124in the tent122, and the subject S is spaced apart at a second distance D12from the image capture system102. In some embodiments, the first distance D11is measured from the center of the subject space126to the center of the background unit124on the ground, and the second distance D12is measured from the center of the subject space126to the center of the camera112or the light assembly114. In some embodiments, the first distance D11ranges from about 5 inches to about 50 inches, and the second distance D12ranges from about 50 inches to about 300 inches. In other embodiments, the first distance D11ranges from about 15 inches to about 30 inches, and the second distance D12ranges from about 90 inches to about 150 inches. Other combinations of the first distance D11and the second distance D12are also possible in other embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 13, the image capture system102stands at a third distance or height D13from the ground. The third distance D13can be measured from the ground to the center of the light assembly114(e.g., the center hole of the ring light) or the center of the lens of the camera112. In some embodiments, the third distance D13ranges from about 20 inches to about 70 inches. In other embodiments, the third distance D13ranges from about 40 inches to about 60 inches. Other examples of the third distance D13are also possible in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, the camera112is configured to have predetermined settings for outdoor photography. Depending on the arrangement of the image capture system102, the station assembly104, and the subject S, various features of the camera112can be used and/or adjusted. Example factors which can be adjusted include lens focal length, ISO, shutter speed, aperture size, exposure, light power, light type, and any other attributes replaceable or adjustable associated with the image capture system102. Example settings are shown in Table 1 below:

As shown inFIG. 14, the light assembly114is configured to illuminate a light LRhaving a power stronger than a natural light LNin the surroundings. The ring light250of the light assembly114is configured to predominate over a power of ambient natural light in all circumstances.

For comparison purposes, if a ring flash were to be used for a studio portrait (e.g., a beauty face shot), the settings of the camera would be configured significantly different than those for the outdoor photography as described herein. For example, a DSLR camera with a longer focal length (e.g., 85 mm) lens could be used to avoid facial distortions (e.g., making the nose look too big). Depending on the lighting conditions camera settings of ISO 200, 1/125 shutter speed, and f/4 aperture could be used. Further, because the camera and ring flash are arranged close to the subject, the power can be adjusted to a low power setting, such as in a range from about 10 Ws and about 40 Ws.

In contrast, when the ring flash is used in the context of the outdoor photography system, such as discussed, herein, the ring flash is arranged at a greater distance from the subject than in studio portrait photography, and uses a wider lens than the lens used in the studio photography. The lens focal length and distance are selected so that the edges of the background screen are not visible in the images. In some embodiments, the focal length is less than the focal length used in studio photography and, for example, can range from about 15 mm to about 60 mm. In some embodiments the ISO setting can be lower for outdoor photography than for studio photography. The shutter speed can be faster for the outdoor setting than for the studio setting. In some embodiments the lens aperture setting has a smaller size (higher f-number) for the outdoor setting than for the studio setting. In some embodiments, the power of the ring flash can be higher for the outdoor setting than for the indoor setting and, for example, can range between about 40 Ws and about 160 Ws, or from about 60 Ws to about 160 Ws, or greater than about 60 Ws. In some embodiments, the camera, ring flash, and distance settings for the outdoor photography can remain unchanged throughout the entire photography session, regardless of any change in ambient conditions. One reason for this is that the brightness of the light from the ring flash is so much greater than the ambient light that differences in ambient light do not have a significant impact on the digital images captured by the digital camera.

FIG. 15illustrates a portion of an example photograph420showing a shadow created by the light assembly114. In this example, the photograph420shows a subject image422, a background image424, and a shadow426formed behind the subject S. As described herein, the shadow426that is created by the ring light250of the light assembly114is a soft shadow all the way around the subject S. As illustrated, the density of the shadow426gradually decreases away from the outline of the subject image422until the shadow426disappears in the background image424. Further, the shadow426is consistently formed all around the outline of the subject image422. For example, the region of the shadow426has the same or substantially similar width, pattern, and density change throughout the entire outline of the subject image422. As such, background replacement software can easily recognize the shadow426in the photograph420, and thus the subject image422can be simply identified and separated from the background image424.

As described herein, the system of the present disclosure enables a consistent quality image extraction using only one light source of a particular type in outdoor conditions. In contrast, typical photography stations, either indoor or outdoor settings, require more than one light to achieve similar results.

Referring toFIGS. 16-17, an example background replacement method450is described. One example of a background replacement technology involves chroma key technology (also sometimes referred to as blue screen or green screen technology). The chroma key technology is a post-production technique for compositing or layering two images or video streams together based on color hues.

In some embodiments, the method450can be performed by a background replacement engine or software running on one or more computing devices, as described inFIG. 18.

As described inFIG. 16, at operation452, the method450receives a photograph460taken of a subject S in the photography station100. As illustrated inFIG. 17, the photograph460captures the subject S as a subject image462and the background unit124as a background image464. An example format of the original photograph460is JPEG.

At operation454, the background image464is removed. In some embodiments, a background scene mask is generated, which is configured to remove the background image464from the photograph460and leave the subject image462. InFIG. 17, a masked image470shows that the background image464is removed from the original photograph460. An example format of the extracted photograph470is PNG.

At operation456, a replacement background image482replaces the background image464of the original photograph460. In some embodiments, the masked image470having the subject image462is composited with a replacement background image482. A composite photograph480shows the subject image462with the replacement background image482.

FIG. 18illustrates an exemplary architecture of a computing device500which can be used in the present disclosure. The computing device500illustrated inFIG. 18is used to execute the operating system, application programs, and software modules (including the software engines) described herein.

The computing device500can be of various types. In some embodiments, the computing device500is a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or other devices configured to process digital instructions. In other embodiments, the computing device500is a mobile computing device. Examples of the computing device500as a mobile computing device include a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone and a tablet computer), a wearable computer (e.g., a smartwatch and a head-mounted display), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld game console, a portable media player, a ultra-mobile PC, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, and other mobile devices.

In some examples, at least a portion of the computing device500can be used to implement computing devices used in the photography station100. It is also recognized that at least some of the architecture illustrated inFIG. 18can also be implemented in various computing devices used to achieve aspects of the present disclosure. For example, a computing device for processing background replacement can be configured similarly to the architecture ofFIG. 18.

The computing device500includes, in some embodiments, at least one processing device502, such as a central processing unit (CPU). A variety of processing devices are available from a variety of manufacturers, for example, Intel or Advanced Micro Devices. In this example, the computing device500also includes a system memory504, and a system bus506that couples various system components including the system memory504to the processing device502. The system bus506is one of any number of types of bus structures including a memory bus, or memory controller; a peripheral bus; and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.

The system memory504includes read only memory508and random access memory510. A basic input/output system512containing the basic routines that act to transfer information within the computing device500, such as during start up, is typically stored in the read only memory508.

The computing device500also includes a secondary storage device514in some embodiments, such as a hard disk drive, for storing digital data. The secondary storage device514is connected to the system bus506by a secondary storage interface516. The secondary storage devices and their associated computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions (including application programs and program modules), data structures, and other data for the computing device500.

Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a hard disk drive as a secondary storage device, other types of computer readable storage media are used in other embodiments. Examples of these other types of computer readable storage media include magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, compact disc read only memories, digital versatile disk read only memories, random access memories, or read only memories. Some embodiments include non-transitory media.

A number of program modules can be stored in secondary storage device514or memory504, including an operating system518, one or more application programs520, other program modules522, and program data524.

In some embodiments, the computing device500includes input devices to enable a user to provide inputs to the computing device500. Examples of input devices526include a keyboard528, a pointer input device530, a microphone532, and a touch sensitive display device540. Other embodiments include other input devices. The input devices are often connected to the processing device502through an input/output interface538that is coupled to the system bus506. These input devices526can be connected by any number of input/output interfaces, such as a parallel port, serial port, game port, or a universal serial bus. Wireless communication between input devices and interface538is possible as well, and includes infrared, BLUETOOTH® wireless technology, 802.11a/b/g/n, cellular, or other radio frequency communication systems in some possible embodiments.

In this example embodiment, a touch sensitive display device540is also connected to the system bus506via an interface, such as a video adapter542. The touch sensitive display device540includes touch sensors for receiving input from a user when the user touches the display. Such sensors can be capacitive sensors, pressure sensors, or other touch sensors. The sensors not only detect contact with the display, but also the location of the contact and movement of the contact over time. For example, a user can move a finger or stylus across the screen to provide written inputs. The written inputs are evaluated and, in some embodiments, converted into text inputs.

In addition to the display device540, the computing device500can include various other peripheral devices (not shown), such as speakers or a printer.

The computing device500further includes a communication device546configured to establish communication across the network. In some embodiments, when used in a local area networking environment or a wide area networking environment (such as the Internet), the computing device500is typically connected to the network through a network interface, such as a wireless network interface550. Other possible embodiments use other wired and/or wireless communication devices. For example, some embodiments of the computing device500include an Ethernet network interface, or a modem for communicating across the network. In yet other embodiments, the communication device546is capable of short-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication is one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication can be established according to various technologies and protocols. Examples of short-range wireless communication include a radio frequency identification (RFID), a near field communication (NFC), a Bluetooth technology, and a Wi-Fi technology.

The computing device500typically includes at least some form of computer-readable media. Computer readable media includes any available media that can be accessed by the computing device500. By way of example, computer-readable media include computer readable storage media and computer readable communication media.

The computing device illustrated inFIG. 18is also an example of programmable electronics, which may include one or more such computing devices, and when multiple computing devices are included, such computing devices can be coupled together with a suitable data communication network so as to collectively perform the various functions, methods, or operations disclosed herein.

As such, the photography system of the present disclosure improves images of a subject captured in an outdoor environment to be suitable for background replacement. Background replacement technology involves a process of accurately distinguishing a background image from a foreground subject image in a photograph. Background replacement can be difficult for outdoor photographs because inconsistent and unexpectedly changing outdoor conditions can cause photographs undesirable for background replacement. In some examples, a photograph quality can be poor and inconsistent due to inconsistent natural light. For example, natural light can cause blown-out or blurring of at least a portion of the subject image and generate undesirable shadows. In other examples, outdoor photographs can capture undesirable background scenes, such as moving objects or unpleasant scenes. In other examples, strong or changing winds can sometimes make it harder to set up and use multiple parts, such as lights, when taking photographs at an outdoor site.

In addition, the present disclosure provides a photography station that is portable to any outdoor site and easy to operate without significant training in field. The photography station of the present disclosure also provides an efficient, low-cost solution to illuminate a subject while not being significantly affected by inconsistent natural light. In some embodiments, the photography station employs a ring light, such as a ring flash. A typical ring flash is used in indoor or studio setting to create a subtle fill light or a glamorous look for, for example, close-up portrait photography. However, for the purpose of outdoor photography as described herein, the ring light of the present disclosure is configured to eliminate shadows, which would make background replacement processing difficult, by providing consistent light all around the subject and overpowering any ambient natural light that can cast undesired shadows on the subject.

Moreover, the system of the present disclosure simplifies photographer's set-up of the photography station and allows photographers to focus more on substantial work, such as the subject's expression, pose and any related paperwork.

Although it is primarily described that a single ring light is sufficient and desirable to illuminate a subject for outdoor photography, it is understood that the ring light can be used with one or more other lights for providing different effects. In other embodiments, the ring light in the outdoor photography station of the present disclosure can be configured to provide a continuous light over time, instead of a flash light.

Further, in other embodiments, the system or the present disclosure can be used at an indoor location and provide an easy setup of the station and post production.

The various examples and teachings described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the examples and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.