"Invisible light": A studio-performer support interface invisible to the camera

The virtual studio is a production technique used in various programs. Virtual studio performers, cannot directly see the surrounding virtual background or their co-staring virtual character. Therefore the performer must check the position of the virtual subjects by watching a floor monitor, causing them to look in different directions that are not in sync with the virtual images. This gives an unnatural impression to the viewer. In order to overcome this problem, we have developed a studio-performer support interface called the "Invisible Light". The interface was used in an actual NHK studio production, and its effectiveness had been recognized in the production scene. This paper describes the interface and its effectiveness.