Cylindrical 3D Video Projection System with Edge Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional video image projecting methods fail to provide an immersive experience due to limited viewing angles and visibility of screen edges, resulting in a pseudo three-dimensional experience similar to two-dimensional image viewing.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional video image projecting device with a cylindrical screen and multiple video projectors that project combined three-dimensional images with angles of 30 degrees or less in a circumferential direction, using polarizing filters and a lattice-like pattern for registration and luminance adjustment, allowing continuous 360-degree viewing without screen awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional three-dimensional video image projecting methods are used, then three-dimensional video images can be projected, but the screen edges are visible and the viewing angle is limited, resulting in poor immersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a cylindrical screen geometry instead of a conventional flat or spherical screen. The cylindrical shape allows multiple projectors to wrap around the viewer, creating continuous 360-degree horizontal coverage while masking screen edges from the viewer's perspective, thereby eliminating the visible screen edges problem while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the three-dimensional video image into multiple divisional images, each projected by a separate projector onto different segments of the cylindrical screen. This segmentation allows each projector to cover a specific angular range (30 degrees or less), and the divisional images are combined to form a continuous panoramic view, resolving both the screen edge visibility and limited viewing angle issues
2Device complexity
If the viewing angle is limited, then the projecting system is simpler, but the immersion feeling is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical screen configuration enables a wide horizontal viewing angle of 360 degrees by wrapping the projection surface around the viewer. Multiple projectors are positioned at different angular locations around the cylinder, each contributing to the panoramic coverage. This geometric approach achieves full immersion without requiring overly complex projection mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional or limited-angle three-dimensional projection to a panoramic three-dimensional environment by utilizing the circumferential dimension of the cylindrical screen. This adds a horizontal angular dimension to the viewing experience, creating a true 360-degree immersive environment while managing system complexity through modular projector placement
3Productivity
If divisional images are projected with larger angles, then fewer projectors are needed, but the combined image quality and continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs overlapping projection areas between adjacent divisional images on the cylindrical screen. Each projector projects slightly beyond its nominal angular boundary, creating an overlap region that ensures continuous image coverage. This excessive action (projecting beyond minimum requirements) guarantees image continuity and quality at the boundaries between divisional images, while the overlap is managed through coordinate transformation and luminance adjustment
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
Enhances viewer immersion in a virtual space by providing a continuous, high-definition three-dimensional image experience across 360 degrees, masking the screen edges and increasing the vertical field of view, thus creating a more realistic pseudo environment.
Implementation Method 1
three-dimensional viewing glasses having a first polarizing filter and a second polarizing filter arranged thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional video image projecting device and projecting method uses video image projectors to project a three-dimensional video image on a cylindrical screen face which can be three-dimensionally viewed through three-dimensional glasses having a first polarizing filter and a second polarizing filter arranged thereon. A plurality of video image projectors are disposed to be opposed to respective regions of the screen face, and the video image projectors produce a continuous, three-dimensional video image in a circumferential direction, by projecting, from the video image projectors, three-dimensional video images, each of which has an angle of 30 degrees or less in a circumferential direction of the screen face, arranged along the circumferential direction of the screen face.