HDTV Axi-Vision Camera
Masahiro Kawakita · 2002
We have developed a high-definition TV three-dimensional camera (HDTV Axi-vision camera) that can simultaneously acquire both an HDTV color image and a high-resolution depth image of a scene. The depth detection system consists of intensity-modulated illuminators and a high-resolution CCD camera having an ultra-fast shutter utilizing a high-sensitivity image intensifier. The camera can detect the depth information on more than 920,000 pixels at a frame rate of 29.97 Hz or on 410,000 pixels at a frame rate of 59.94 Hz and output the depth image as an HDTV video signal. The HDTV Axi-vision camera is capable of selectively extracting the images of an object at a specific depth, and synthesizing them with other pictures in real time. Comparison of the depth information also enables the three-dimensional blending of camera images and computer-generated images. We demonstrated potential post-production applications of the HDTV Axi-vision camera in a virtual studio system.