Jason A Jensen

US Patent:

59867183, Nov 16, 1999

Filed:

Sep 19, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/715075

Inventors:

David M. Barwacz - Grand Rapids MI
Jason J. Jensen - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Video Magic, Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

H04N 973
H04N 975

US Classification:

348592

Abstract:

An image processing method and photobooth employing the method are disclosed which produce a composite image using a conventional chroma-key device. The subject in the photobooth is illuminated with low temperature light and is filmed before a backdrop of uniform saturated blue color to provide a foreground image to the chroma-key device. The chroma-key device compares the intensity of the blue color component for each pixel of the foreground image to a threshold intensity level and replaces those pixels of the foreground image that have a blue color component intensity greater than the threshold with a corresponding pixel of a pre-stored background image thereby producing a composite image. By illuminating the subject with low temperature light, the method decreases the intensity of most blue color components in the light reflected from the subject to a level below the threshold level used by the chroma-key device. The output color of the chroma-key device is preferably adjusted to correct for the color-shifting of the subject caused by the illumination with low temperature light.