Camera-Projector Calibration for Surface Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector systems face challenges in accurately aligning projected images with markings on non-traditional surfaces, such as sports fields or game boards, due to variations in surface geometry and markings.
Innovation Solution
A camera-projector calibration system that uses a computing device to generate pose data and determine the positions of markings on the surface, allowing for precise alignment of projected images by superimposing a template image onto a camera image and applying a correction model to ensure accurate alignment with surface features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional projector systems are used on non-traditional surfaces, then the system complexity remains low, but the alignment precision between projected images and surface markings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures an image of the marked surface using a camera, detects the positions and orientations of markings, compares them with template marking positions, and uses this feedback to calculate transformation parameters that align the projected image with the actual surface markings, thereby resolving the alignment precision issue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with an automated computer vision system that uses image processing, feature detection, and computational geometry to automatically determine alignment parameters, improving precision while managing system complexity through software-based solutions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system accommodates variations in surface geometry, then the adaptability improves, but the calibration process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system handles diverse surface geometries by computing transformation parameters (rotation, translation, scaling, perspective correction) that adapt the projected image to match the detected marking configurations, allowing the same hardware to work across different surfaces without physical modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed to handle multiple types of markings (circles, squares, triangles) and various surface geometries (flat, curved, angled) using a unified approach based on feature detection and transformation calculations, making the system universally applicable to different projection scenarios
3Measurement precision
If iterative alignment algorithms are used, then the alignment accuracy improves, but the calibration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of marking positions and orientations before calculating the final transformation parameters, allowing for a direct computation approach rather than iterative refinement, thus reducing calibration time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the traditional iterative alignment process by using direct geometric calculations based on detected marking features, rapidly computing transformation parameters in a single step rather than through multiple iterative cycles, thereby reducing calibration time
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (200), method and computer readable medium for projecting images on a marked surface (215). The system includes a memory storage unit (222), a projector (207), a camera (214), an input device (225) for receiving input data to align correspondence points in a template image with features on the marked surface (215), a computing device (201) for calculating a correction model, and a rendering device for generating image data. The method involves projecting a template image to generate a camera image, receiving input data, calculating a correction model based on the input data and generating and projecting image data. The computer readable medium is encoded with codes to direct a processor to carry out the method.