Automatic 3D Projection Alignment Using Structured Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Projection mapping in complex three-dimensional environments is often manual and time-consuming, requiring skilled technicians to align projectors and adjust images, leading to downtime and inefficiencies, especially when projectors or objects move.
Innovation Solution
A system using at least two cameras and a projector that projects structured light patterns to automatically determine projector parameters, generate a three-dimensional mapping, and adjust images in real-time to match the projector's position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual warping and technician intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual warping is performed by technicians to align projected images, then alignment accuracy is improved, but setup time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic projector pose determination and image warping without requiring technician intervention. The computer automatically captures images, calculates projector parameters, and adjusts projected images, enabling the system to service itself and eliminate manual setup procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment procedures with automated computational methods. Instead of technicians physically adjusting projectors and manually warping images, the system uses computer vision algorithms and automatic calculations to determine projector pose and generate corrected images
2Manufacturing precision
If manual projector positioning and warping adjustment are performed, then projection alignment is improved, but productivity decreases due to repeated technician visits
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses cameras to capture images of the projection environment and fed back to the computer, which automatically calculates projector pose and adjusts images accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables continuous automatic alignment without requiring technician visits when projectors or objects move
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic projector pose determination system enables the projection system to self-adjust and self-align without external intervention, maintaining productivity by eliminating the need for repeated technician visits to realign projections after movement
3Adaptability or versatility
If ad-hoc projection mapping is performed with 2D content crafted using artist's notion, then content creation flexibility is improved, but alignment accuracy deteriorates requiring manual warping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual artistic judgment and estimation with automated computer vision and geometric calculations. The system objectively determines projector pose and calculates precise warping transformations, replacing the subjective manual process with an automated computational system that maintains both flexibility and accuracy
4Extent of automation
If automatic warping systems are used for non-complex geometries, then automation level is improved, but applicability to complex three-dimensional environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines the full three-dimensional pose (position and orientation) of the projector in 3D space relative to the projection surface, rather than just 2D alignment parameters. This 3D approach enables automatic warping to work effectively on complex three-dimensional geometries by capturing the complete spatial relationship between projector and surface
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fully automated, efficient projection mapping on complex geometries without the need for manual setup, reducing downtime and improving accuracy, allowing for rapid re-alignment when objects or projectors move.
Implementation Method 1
The projector projects one or more structured light patterns onto the three-dimensional environment, the one or more structured light patterns configured to uniquely identify portions of the three-dimensional environment
Implementation Method 2
the cameras provide a stereo view of the three-dimensional environment. The projector projects one or more structured light patterns onto the three-dimensional environment
Implementation Method 3
From the two-dimensional mapping, and given positions of the cameras, a cloud of points representing the three-dimensional environment is generated using, for example, triangulation techniques
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automatic alignment and projection mapping are provided. A projector and at least two cameras are mounted with fields of view that overlap a projection area on a three-dimensional environment. A computing device: controls the projector to project structured light patterns that uniquely illuminate portions of the environment; acquires images of the patterns from the cameras; generates a two-dimensional mapping of the portions between projector and camera space and by processing the images and correlated patterns; generates a cloud of points representing the environment using the mapping and camera positions; determines a projector location, orientation and lens characteristics from the cloud; positions a virtual camera relative to a virtual three-dimensional environment, corresponding to the environment, parameters of the virtual camera respectively matching parameters of the projector; and, controls the projector to project based on a virtual location, orientation and characteristics of the virtual camera.