Pygame Green Screen, with Color Tracking, Edge Detect, etc (experimental)

When the program starts it captures the scene background. The current camera image is compared to the saved background; pixels that are the same (within a threshold) are given a transparent color key. Multiple layers are combined for different effects.

• python 3.10.4
• pygame 2.1.2
• Logitech HD 1080p USB camera

The background should be a color that contrasts with the foreground (not necessarily green). It should be well-lit, with no shadows cast by the foreground object.

When the program starts it will display:

Place your foreground object in front of the camera

• use the up / down keys to adjust white balance
• use the , / . keys to zoom in/out
• wait a moment for auto-exposure/auto-focus to settle
• press space (or click mouse) to continue

Remove the object from in front of the camera

• press z to capture the current image as the green screen
• if lighting changes, re-capture the image
• use kp+/kp- to adjust green screen threshold if necessary

Color tracking

• use mouse to select a color on screen
• press kp7 or kp8 to store the color in track1 or 2
• press kp1 or kp2 to start tracking foreground
• press again for background, or to stop tracking
• press c to clear track

Image capture

• press right mouse to start/stop capturing images
• images are stored in captureDirectory with timestamp
• red border will appear on screen during capture
• maximum frame rate determined by FPS setting in config.ini

Program settings can be changed by modifying config.ini located in the same directory as effects.py

Change program settings from the command line