Method and apparatus for coordinated super imposition of images in a

Abstract

A method of combining projected images with a three dimensional set. In the present invention, a three dimensional set of any desired scale is provided. A second set is then built for use by live actors and other desired images to be incorporated into the three dimensional scene. Props are disposed on the second set and corresponds to the three dimensional scenes. These second set props are blacked out so that when photographed they are rendered invisible. A beam splitter is provided in front of the three dimensional set and a monitor is positioned to reflect a video image from the second set on to the beam splitter. The actors and props on the second set are then positioned to achieve the desired scale. For example, the projected image of the actor may be life size, smaller than life size or larger than life size. The actor is then filmed in real time interacting with the blacked out second set props and the image is recorded. The recorded image is then played back on the monitor reflected on to the beam splitter to give the illusion that the recorded image is interacting with the props in a three dimensional set. The live image may be transmitted directly to the monitor for projection on to the beam splitter without first recording it, if desired.