Cradle Adjusts Projection Device Posture via Portable Terminal Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electronic devices with integrated projector functions face challenges in intuitive operation and performance, requiring users to constantly be aware of the projection surface and lagging behind dedicated projectors in resolution and light emission.

Innovation Solution

A projection system comprising a portable terminal that detects posture changes using sensors like acceleration and gyro sensors, a cradle that adjusts the projection device's posture based on these detections, and a motor-driven mechanism for precise positioning, allowing for intuitive and high-functional video projection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the projector function is integrated into a portable electronic apparatus, then the portability and integration are improved, but the projection performance such as resolution and light emission is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveintegrationVSAvoidlight emission
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the portable terminal (control unit) from the projection device (projection unit), allowing each to be optimized independently. The portable terminal handles intuitive control while the dedicated projection device maintains high light emission and resolution performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The portable terminal acts as an intermediary control device that communicates with the projection device via wireless communication. This allows the projection device to maintain dedicated high-performance hardware while being controlled intuitively through the portable terminal's sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the projector function is integrated into a portable electronic apparatus, then the integration is improved, but the operation intuitiveness is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveintegrationVSAvoidoperation intuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The portable terminal uses its built-in sensors (acceleration sensor, gyro sensor) to automatically detect posture changes and generate corresponding control signals. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual control operations, making the system intuitive to use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where the portable terminal's sensors detect posture changes, transmit this information to the projection device, and the projection device adjusts its projection direction accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables intuitive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If sensors and motor mechanisms are added to detect and adjust posture, then the automation is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposture adjustment automationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable terminal, which users already possess and are familiar with, is utilized for its sensor capabilities. This multi-functional approach allows the terminal to serve both as a communication device and a control unit, reducing the need for dedicated control hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable terminal serves as an intermediary that contains the sensors and processing logic, while the projection device focuses on projection functionality. This division reduces the complexity of each individual component while achieving automated posture adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 highly functional and intuitive projection operations by automatically adjusting the projection device's posture in response to user input, improving performance and convenience by integrating sensor-driven posture changes with motorized cradle adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

the portable terminal may detect the change in posture by using at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensor detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

the portable terminal may detect the change in posture by using at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyro sensor detection: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentEP3562148B1Projection system, projection device, and cradle
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3562148B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3562148B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3562148B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To perform highly functional projection with an intuitive operation using a portable terminal. A projection system includes: a portable terminal; a projection device; and a cradle. The portable terminal detects a change in posture of the portable terminal itself. The projection device reproduces a video signal, and projects video thus reproduced on a projection surface. The cradle supports the projection device. The cradle changes the posture of the projection device in accordance with a detection result of the portable terminal.