BACKGROUND
The Production Magic work area is the successor to previous work on virtual production. Virtual Production techniques are probably best-known for their use in virtual studios, generating virtual backgrounds that can be redrawn in real-time to match the camera movement. We have previously developed various items of technology for this application area, including the free-d camera tracking system; a DVE system to provide 2D virtual backgrounds; and a keying system that does not need a coloured cyclorama. We continue to provide support to BBC programme-makers in the application of these tools.

Similar technology can be used to insert a virtual object into an otherwise real scene - often known as augmented rather than virtual reality. By tracking a real object in the scene and attaching a virtual object to it, it is possible for a presenter to manipulate a virtual object, and to trigger events such as animations by bringing two virtual objects together. This area of application is being investigated in a BBC-internal project called MixTV. We are also developing tools aimed specifically at sports applications, for augmenting a real image with "on-pitch" graphics.

To allow the use of virtual production techniques beyond the confines of a studio fitted with a camera tracking system, we are working in the MATRIS collaborative project to develop a marker-free system for measuring the position and orientation of a camera in real-time. This project is a part of the EC's 6th Framework programme, and includes partners from Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.

Some of our longer-term work is based on techniques for 3D scene understanding and automatic modelling, leading towards the concept of full 3D production. This work includes our contributions to the Origami and MetaVision EU IST projects, and the DTI-funded Prometheus project that finished in 2002.

The Production Magic work at BBC R&D is led by Graham Thomas