Patent Description:
The chroma key technique is often used in television recording or filming. The chroma key is used to set subjects and objects on virtual backgrounds, added later, which can be of two types: backgrounds of previously shot material or, as is currently very common, backgrounds of material completely processed digitally, with the help of computer graphics.

In the latter case, the background can be static, as during television weather forecasts, or it can be calculated dynamically, based on the movement of the camera that shoots the subject in the foreground, giving the illusion of a virtual set, or a three-dimensional television studio, completely virtual.

The chroma key technique had its first version with the blue back (blue screen) thanks to which scenes with actors were integrated with scenes shot elsewhere. Starting in <NUM>, the blue screen was gradually replaced by the green screen (color code: Pantone <NUM> green) more suitable for digital cameras.

With reference to videoconferencing, streaming videoconferencing platforms, while sometimes supporting the chroma key, are in the vast majority of cases used without any technical tool that helps a correct shooting with serious damage to the image of the subject and difficulty of communication.

The effectiveness of chroma key is critically dependent on the conditions under which the shots are taken, for example, the characteristics of lighting, shadows and precision of framing. This means that the use of this technique is limited to television studios or film sets with complex and expensive equipment and where experienced technical personnel work.

Document <CIT> describes a chroma key technique in photography and/or videography that involves a flashlight arranged so that it is directed toward an object to be photographed, a chrome backdrop in front of which the object is to be photographed, and a first reflective surface arranged partly in front of the first flashlight so that part of the light from the first flashlight is directed toward the object to be photographed and part of the light from the first flashlight is reflected back toward the chrome backdrop. The first reflective surface is essentially the same color as the chrome backdrop.

Document <CIT> discloses an educational lighting kit providing a floor positioning mat incorporating specific positioning points for lights, cameras, subjects and backgrounds. The following documents relate to chroma key techniques:.

The purpose of the present invention is to propose an implementing system of a set of shots in chroma key technique that can be installed and used in a relatively simple way (therefore also by not particularly expert personnel) and that can also allow overlapping effects not limited to a single back wall.

It should be noted that this ease of installation and use means that the system can be applied in a variety of contexts, not limited to professional television/cinema.

For example, one possible field of application is the reconstruction of a virtual store with presentations made in streaming.

In particular, the present invention aims to support users of streaming teleconferencing systems through the miniaturization and simplification of a complete set that can also be used in a home environment, for filming, simple in assembly and use and of great impact thanks to the immersiveness of the chroma key system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for implementing a chroma key filming set as defined by claim <NUM> and particular embodiments thereof as described by dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

The constructive and functional characteristics of the invention may be better understood from the detailed description that follows, in which reference is made to the attached drawing plates representing some preferred and nonlimiting forms of implementation, in which:.

In the accompanying figures, the same or similar elements are identified with the same numerical references.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an example of an implementing system <NUM> of a set of shots in the chroma key technique. According to the example of the figures, the system <NUM> includes a first chroma key screen <NUM> and at least one second chroma key screen <NUM>. Advantageously, a third chroma key screen <NUM> may be provided.

Further in accordance with the depicted example, the system <NUM> includes a support structure <NUM> for a video camera, a carpet <NUM>, and at least one portable lighting apparatus <NUM>. The system <NUM> is employable for streaming video conferencing.

Note that, for the purpose of filming, recording, and/or streaming video conferencing, the system <NUM> is also equipped with a video camera <NUM> (e.g., a webcam, shown schematically in <FIG>), which may be integrated into a display <NUM> of a computer (e.g., a personal computer) or which may be a stand-alone device.

In particular, specific software resides in such a computer that processes the images (static or moving) taken by the video camera <NUM> by adding, according to the chroma key technique (i.e., chroma key applications), the desired images in correspondence to the three displays <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. Alternatively, the computer installed in the system <NUM> may in turn be connected (e.g., wirelessly) to an external computer in which processing according to the chroma key technique takes place, as occurs for example, for streaming platforms. For example, a chroma key platform relies on an internet line with at least one fast ADSL connection.

Note that, currently on the market there are video conferencing platforms compatible with chroma key and others that are not compatible but that can be made compatible by downloading one of the applications on the market, called Virtual Camera.

Advantageously, the system <NUM> is fully compatible with both existing chroma key platforms on the market and those for which the chroma key application is to be added.

The system <NUM> can also be equipped with a suitable microphone, for example, built into the display <NUM> or portable, for sound recording, for example, in synchrony with image capture.

Note that the system <NUM> is also designed and sized to be installed in offices, retail or home environments, or other locations that have smaller spaces than actual television or movie sets. In addition, the <NUM> system is designed to be easily disassembled, transported, and reassembled.

In more detail, the first chroma key screen <NUM> (see also <FIG>) is equipped with a grid and a plurality of markers that allow (as known to the expert in the field), the chroma key application, to place (in manual mode) pre-selected digital images on the screen itself, which will then appear in the final video. The markers of the first chroma key screen <NUM> can also be, for example, of a type that can be used for automatic positioning of images by artificial intelligence software.

The first chroma key screen <NUM> can be a green color background (hexadecimal color value: # 00b140) or a blue color background (hexadecimal color value: # 0047bb).

The first chroma key screen <NUM> is easily rolled up and extended. For example, the size of the first chroma key screen <NUM> is between (base x height) <NUM> x <NUM> and <NUM> x <NUM>, with preferred sizes including <NUM> x <NUM> and <NUM> x <NUM>. In particular, the first chroma key screen <NUM> may have a minimum height of <NUM>, while the height of a preferred implementation form is <NUM>.

Considerations similar to those expressed above for the first chroma key screen <NUM> (hereinafter, "screen <NUM>" for brevity) also apply to the second chroma key screen <NUM> and the third chroma key screen <NUM> (hereinafter, "screens" <NUM> or <NUM>).

The first screen <NUM>, the second screen <NUM>, and the third screen <NUM> are supported by a related support <NUM>. Notably, the support <NUM> is portable and may also be detachable and removable. According to a preferred example, it is a roll up type display (e.g., analogous to those used for banner advertising) on which the relative screen <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> may be mounted.

The support <NUM> comprises, for example, a base structure <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) and support rods <NUM> (removable and/or, preferably, telescopic) and has a winding mechanism for rolling up and unwinding the chroma key screen <NUM>. Advantageously, said roll up display <NUM> with the corresponding screen is housed, when the screen is rolled up, in a bag with a shoulder strap, which allows easy transportation.

The assembly of the roll up display <NUM> is extremely easy as it is simply necessary to take the display out of the bag, place the base <NUM> on the ground and insert the rods <NUM> (e.g. made of aluminum) in the base <NUM> of the display itself and then unroll the screen <NUM>. In particular, referring for the sake of brevity only to the first screen <NUM>, the support <NUM> may advantageously have a wand that acts both as a block, to prevent the first screen <NUM> from completely falling into the base <NUM>, and as a curtain stretcher. In fact, by pulling said wand upwards, the first screen <NUM> unrolls and an interlocking system allows the wand to be fixed to the top of the rods <NUM> of the roll-up display <NUM>.

According to a preferred form of implementation (<FIG>), the support <NUM> may be provided with a cover sheet <NUM> configured to cover the base <NUM> of the support so that it is not picked up by the camera <NUM>. Advantageously, the cover sheet <NUM> is a chroma key screen. According to a preferred embodiment, a face of the inferior end of each rod <NUM> (or a face of the base <NUM>) is provided with attachment means <NUM> of the cover sheet <NUM>, such as, for example, Velcro. As is further described below, in relation to the carpet <NUM>, the cover sheet <NUM> may extend to the floor and cover areas not covered by the carpet <NUM>.

In addition, the upper end of the central rod <NUM> of each support <NUM> may incorporate a light source <NUM> having, for example, a corresponding battery. The end of the rod <NUM> may include a suitable attachment body <NUM> configured to house the light source and, optionally, a corresponding battery.

Note that the supports <NUM> of each screen <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> allow the screens themselves to be positioned, taking into account the available spaces, and according to a configuration that allows defining an area or scene to be filmed, in which said screens appear as vertical walls in correspondence with which still or moving images will be shown in the final video.

For example, the first screen <NUM> is positioned vertically and in such an orientation, with respect to the camera <NUM>, as to define the backdrop (i.e., a background part) of the scene to be filmed, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The second screen <NUM> is arranged vertically and in proximity to a first end <NUM> (<FIG>) of the first screen <NUM>, so as to form a side wall delimiting one side of the scene to be filmed. The third screen <NUM> is arranged (also in a vertical position) in proximity to a second end <NUM> of the first screen <NUM>, so as to form another side wall delimiting another side of the scene to be filmed.

As shown in the figures, the three screens <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are generically arranged in a U-shape delimiting three sides of the scene.

More in detail, the second screen <NUM> has a first extreme portion <NUM> close to the first extreme <NUM> of the first screen <NUM> but spaced from this so as to identify a first opening <NUM> (between the two portions of the two screens <NUM> and <NUM> close together) that develops vertically.

Similarly, the third screen <NUM> has a second extreme portion <NUM> proximate to the second extreme <NUM> of the first screen <NUM>, but spaced from this so as to identify a second opening <NUM> (between the two extreme portions of the two screens <NUM> and <NUM> approached). The first and second apertures <NUM> and <NUM> have, for example, a width, between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, and in particular <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters, and as will be described below allow the passage of light to illuminate the scene to be imaged.

In particular, in the system <NUM>, the portable lighting apparatus <NUM> is arranged near the first opening <NUM> but outside the scene to be imaged. For example, the apparatus <NUM> is arranged laterally to the first screen <NUM> and posteriorly to the second screen <NUM> so that it illuminates the scene (and portions of the screens themselves) through the first opening <NUM>, without being imaged by the video camera <NUM>. The same considerations are valid for another apparatus <NUM> arranged in proximity to the second opening <NUM>.

Further, advantageously, the second screen <NUM> and the third screen <NUM> are arranged to limit as much as possible that the openings <NUM> and <NUM> are visible in the video taken by the camera <NUM>. For example, the second screen <NUM> and the third screen <NUM> are arranged to hide from the camera <NUM> the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the first screen <NUM>.

Note also that, preferably, the second screen <NUM> and the third screen <NUM> are oriented relative to the first screen <NUM> so as to be symmetrical with respect to a vertical centerline plane P (<FIG>).

Depending on available space and specific requirements, the second screen <NUM> and the third screen <NUM> may be arranged at different angles relative to the first screen <NUM>, as will also be indicated below according to a particular embodiment.

Consider the support structure <NUM>, on which the camera <NUM> is arranged. Advantageously, said support structure <NUM> is designed to allow an adjustment of the height of the camera <NUM> relative to the ground. Furthermore, in order to allow its easy transportation, the support structure <NUM> is such that it assumes a compact non-use configuration and an use configuration.

According to a particular embodiment, the support structure <NUM> comprises a table <NUM> and, optionally, a superstructure12 (<FIG>).

The table <NUM> includes a top <NUM> (e.g., of substantially rectangular plan) and legs <NUM> (e.g., four legs) that are height-adjustable by a telescoping type mechanism according to a particular form of implementation. For example, each leg <NUM> includes two coaxial tubular elements that are adjustable by a spring mechanism acting on a handle <NUM>.

According to an advantageous solution, in order to bring the table <NUM> into the compact configuration, the legs <NUM> are rotatably movable to assume a position substantially parallel to the top <NUM>.

It should be noted that, advantageously, the table <NUM>, can assume the function of a podium (in the maximum extension of its legs <NUM>) allowing the use in standing or with a suitable stool).

Referring to the carpet <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>), this is configured to be placed on the floor (or walking surface) and interposed between the support structure <NUM> (with the video camera <NUM>) and the first screen <NUM> mounted on the support <NUM>. A person may be placed on the carpet <NUM> to be filmed by the video camera <NUM>. For example, the carpet <NUM> does not provide any automatic winder.

The carpet <NUM> (of the roll-up type) is provided with a positioning grid <NUM> that can be used to identify particular areas (identifiable by specific numbered boxes or provided with a corresponding identifier) on which to position the person to be filmed by the video camera <NUM> or to position expected objects on the set scene. Advantageously, the carpet <NUM> is also a chroma key screen, analogous to the screen <NUM> described above. The size of the carpet <NUM> may be between <NUM> m2 and <NUM> m2.

The cover sheets <NUM> made as chroma key screens (particularly those attached to the supports <NUM> disposed laterally of the carpet <NUM>) may be arranged to cover areas of the walkable plane (i.e., the floor) not covered by the carpet <NUM>. For example, the cover sheet <NUM> is triangular in shape and allows a side area not covered by the carpet <NUM> to be covered when the support <NUM> is oriented (<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) so that the corresponding screen is at least partially outside the carpet <NUM>.

This ensures that the entire shooting scene (the background, side and walking surface) is active at the chroma key.

According to a preferred embodiment (<FIG>), the carpet <NUM> has graphic traces <NUM> (e.g., lines) indicating to the user how to correctly position the supports <NUM> of the second screen <NUM> and the third screen <NUM> with respect to the first screen <NUM> or how to position the cover sheet <NUM> (in particular, an extreme edge) so that it correctly connects to the carpet <NUM> in consideration of the chroma key technique. <FIG> shows, in the case where the second screen <NUM> and the third screen <NUM> are above the carpet <NUM>, how the corresponding drapes <NUM> in addition to covering the bases <NUM> correctly connect to the grid of the carpet <NUM> due to the traces <NUM>.

With regard to the lighting of the stage, in addition to the two portable lighting apparatuses <NUM> near the openings <NUM> and <NUM>, additional lighting apparatuses <NUM> may be provided arranged, for example, at the sides of the support structure <NUM> and/or near the ends of the second and third screens <NUM> and <NUM> closest to the support structure <NUM>.

Each lighting apparatus <NUM> is such that it has preselected lighting parameters appropriate for the chroma key technique and, when appropriately positioned, advantageously does not require adjustment of such parameters by the user.

According to a particular embodiment, the lighting apparatus <NUM> is a lamp each having a plurality of Light Emitting Diode (LED) sources. In particular, with reference to <FIG>, each lamp <NUM> includes a related pole <NUM> (e.g., of a height of about <NUM>) fixed to a lamp base <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, made of aluminum; in the pole <NUM> is mounted the plurality of LEDs, uniformly distributed over almost the entire length of the rod itself.

As can be seen in the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the base <NUM> comprises three lobes and in the region of connection of said lobes is provided with a cup into which the pole <NUM> is inserted and fixed, for example, with a screw (e.g., a flat head screw with lathe screws).

According to a particular form of implementation, each lamp <NUM> has a maximum power consumption of <NUM> W, with a color temperature of <NUM> and an angular aperture of the illuminating radiation of <NUM>°. In particular, each lamp <NUM> is accessorized with a corresponding transformer (for example, a <NUM>/<NUM> V transformer) and appropriate wiring for connection to an electrical outlet. The use of batteries to power the lamps <NUM> is not excluded.

It is possible to indicate to the user (in a special instruction sheet) the position in which to arrange the lamps <NUM> in such a way that they allow both to generate the chroma key effect and at the same time to correctly illuminate the subject to be filmed with the camera <NUM>. Thanks to the preset configuration of the lamps <NUM> and their correct positioning, the lamps themselves do not need electronic regulation, resulting very simple to use.

In use, users will be able to easily mount the system <NUM> as described above and in a manner similar to as shown in the diagram in <FIG> where the carpet <NUM> also represents a walkable plane for the user.

The lamps <NUM> will be positioned as intended, and the person who is the subject of the filming will be able to arrange himself on the pre-selected grid areas of the carpet <NUM> between the camera <NUM> and the scene bounded by the screens <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

Thanks to the grid <NUM> present on the carpet <NUM>, it is possible to avoid leaving the frame or the scene delimited by the three screens <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

The software platform used can fully employ the markers of the screens <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in order to create a three-dimensional environment where both in the background and laterally are shown the desired still or moving images. In addition, the person being filmed can, for example, view on display <NUM> the video taken and already enriched with background images.

It should be noted that the system <NUM> allows to take advantage of the chroma key technique for the construction of three-dimensional digital scenarios, and not only background, in non-professional environments and with components of small size and easily transportable.

In particular, the use of several chroma key screens side by side, together with the possibility of illuminating the scene through the openings between the screens themselves, avoids the need to use a complex and cumbersome lighting apparatus and a single chroma key screen that extends over two or three walls.

The system's small size and ability to be easily disassembled, transported and reassembled means that the <NUM> system can also be used in confined or under-equipped spaces, such as non-standard television or film sets (for example, at local television stations), offices or homes.

In addition, the structure and configuration of the system <NUM>, which includes preset or easily set-up mechanical and electronic features, means that it can be easily assembled and used even by users who are not experts in television/cinema techniques, such as, for example, freelance journalists, influencers or bloggers working in a domestic environment.

A possible application of the <NUM> system is that of use by sales personnel, such as sales agents or clerks who can take advantage of the system in the context of long-distance communications, reducing their movements and the transport of samples. Consider, for example, a possible scenario where a salesperson uses the system <NUM> combined with platforms that replicate a virtual environment on three walls. This possible application may lead to a redesign of the current way of conducting business. In particular, the users of this system can show the connected audience in live streaming, the possibility to walk inside the virtual scene, for example a store, bringing the interaction of e-commerce very close to the real one.

In addition, thanks to the implementation features mentioned above, the system <NUM> can also be used for all those remote communications carried out in the context of videoconferences, remote conferences or online meetings. In this case, the system <NUM> can be implemented in the office and used to show moving background images (e.g., movies) or images related to presentations (e.g., slides). This is certainly possible, as the system <NUM> is compatible with video conferencing platforms on the market, such as, but not limited to, those of Zoom Video Communications or those platforms for which the initially unforeseen chroma key application has been added.

Considering the aforementioned ease of use, possible users of the <NUM> system include professionals, consultants, lawyers, doctors and architects.

It should be noted that a videoconference carried out using the system <NUM>, and therefore enriched with background images, makes it possible to reproduce a situation comparable to that of a real meeting, not based on a remote connection.

Claim 1:
Implementation system (<NUM>) of a chroma key shooting set, usable for streaming video conferencing, comprising:
- a first chroma key screen (<NUM>) as a background for a shooting scene and associated with a first support (<NUM>) configured to support the first screen in a vertical position relative to a walking surface (<NUM>);
- at least one second chroma key screen (<NUM>) arranged at one end (<NUM>) of the first screen (<NUM>) and so as to form a first side wall of the shooting scene; the second screen (<NUM>) being associated with a second support (<NUM>) configured to support the second screen (<NUM>) vertically and so that an opening (<NUM>) is identified between the end (<NUM>) of the first screen (<NUM>) and the second screen (<NUM>) with vertical development;
- a portable lighting apparatus (<NUM>) arranged in proximity to said opening (<NUM>) and external to the shooting scene and so as to illuminate said scene and at least the first screen (<NUM>);
- a carpet (<NUM>) disposed on the walking surface at the shooting scene, the carpet (<NUM>) comprising graphic traces (<NUM>) indicative of positions in which to arrange the supports (<NUM>) of said screens.