Embodiments are disclosed for generating an instant mask from polarized input images. A method of generating the mask includes obtaining, by a user interface manager, a set of polarized input images, the set of polarized images including background images depicting a background and subject images depicting a foreground object in front of the background and backlit by a polarized light source, the set of polarized input images including more than two polarized images, each associated with a different polarization angle, determining, by a matte optimization manager, an at least partially polarized reflection on the foreground object based on the set of polarized input images, determining, by the matte optimization manager, an alpha matte based at least on intensity values associated with each of the set of polarized input images such that the alpha matte isolates the foreground object and removes the at least partially polarized reflection, and generating, by a matte generator, an output matte based on the alpha matte.

A chroma key and presentation system, a presentation method, and a presentation kit all for simultaneous use in the presence of an in-person audience and remote audience. The system comprising: a chroma key light source, configured in use to emit chroma key light; a display surface which may be used as a projector screen for displaying projected media for viewing by the in-person audience from a projector, the display surface being at least partially transparent to the chroma key light; a camera disposed on an opposing side of the display surface to the chroma key light source, wherein the camera is configured to receive chroma key light for use in generating a composite image for the remote audience; and a directional light control filter, configured to reduce chroma key light transmission in a direction away from the camera.

A system and method of synchronizing auxiliary content to a video stream is disclosed that uses a block of bit-vectors linked to a target frame in a video steam. The block of bit-vectors consists of a multi-frame sequence of image bit-vectors. The video stream and block of bit-vectors are transmitted to an end user device that uses the bit-vector block to uniquely identify the target frame. The target frame is used to synchronize auxiliary content to the video stream.

A system and method of synchronizing auxiliary content to a video stream is disclosed that uses a block of bit-vectors linked to a target frame in a video steam. The block of bit-vectors consists of a multi-frame sequence of image bit-vectors. The video stream and block of bit-vectors are transmitted to an end user device that uses the bit-vector block to uniquely identify the target frame. The target frame is used to synchronize auxiliary content to the video stream.

The present disclosure generally relates to displaying visual effects in image data. In some examples, visual effects include an avatar displayed on a user's face. In some examples, visual effects include stickers applied to image data. In some examples, visual effects include screen effects. In some examples, visual effects are modified based on depth data in the image data.

A controller for a video camera, the controller comprising: an input for receiving a focus command indicative of a focus distance; and one or more outputs for transmitting a first signal for controlling the focus of a lens of the camera and a second signal indicative of the focus distance indicated by the focus command; the controller being configured to determine a focus limit and to transmit the first signal so as to command the camera to adjust its focus to the distance indicated by the focus command only if that distance does not exceed the focus limit.

A controller for a video camera, the controller comprising: an input for receiving a focus command indicative of a focus distance; and one or more outputs for transmitting a first signal for controlling the focus of a lens of the camera and a second signal indicative of the focus distance indicated by the focus command; the controller being configured to determine a focus limit and to transmit the first signal so as to command the camera to adjust its focus to the distance indicated by the focus command only if that distance does not exceed the focus limit.

The present disclosure generally relates to displaying visual effects in image data. In some examples, visual effects include an avatar displayed on a user's face. In some examples, visual effects include stickers applied to image data. In some examples, visual effects include screen effects. In some examples, visual effects are modified based on depth data in the image data.

Systems and methods for production and presentation of video content are provided. The system can include a transparent panel and a camera positioned adjacent to the transparent panel. The camera can generate a camera signal indicative of image data of a user positioned on a side of the transparent panel opposing the camera. The system can further include a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to or programmed to read the instructions stored in the memory. The processor can be configured to or programmed to: receive the camera signal; receive an overlay signal having at least one visual element; overlay the at least one visual element of the overlay signal on the transparent panel; and control a display of the at least one visual element on the transparent panel such that the at least one visual element is visible to the user and not visible to the camera.

Systems and methods for production and presentation of video content are provided. The system receives a camera signal indicative of image data of a scene that includes a transparent panel and receives an overlay signal having at least one visual element. The system generates a first signal based on the processed camera and overlay signals and displays, on a first display, a processed image of the first signal indicative of the at least one visual element overlaid on the image data. The system displays an application window of a second signal on a second display and, based on a user input, relocates the application window from the second display to the overlay signal. The system displays the application window on the first display by transforming the application window utilizing a keying function and overlaying the transformed application window in the processed image of the first signal.