Display Surface Light Alignment Using Reflected Position Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image display systems require cumbersome manual adjustment of detection light orientation by placing a jig on the projection surface, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An image display apparatus that automatically adjusts the angle of the light output with respect to the display surface based on the detected reflected position, using a drive section to control the orientation of the light curtain generator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user places a jig on the projection surface to adjust detection light orientation, then the light orientation can be adjusted, but the adjustment task becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of light orientation adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the projection surface position and orientation using the imager and position detector, then self-adjusts the detection light angle through the changer mechanism, eliminating the need for manual jig placement and adjustment by the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated optical detection and control system that uses image processing and motorized changers to adjust the detection light orientation automatically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the position detector uses reflected light to detect target position, then detection can be performed, but low-intensity reflected light may prevent accurate detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of position detectionVSAvoidintensity of reflected light
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the light output intensity from the output section to ensure sufficient reflected light reaches the position detector, and adjusts the imager sensitivity to optimize detection of the reflected light signal under varying conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If the changer automatically adjusts the light angle based on detected reflected position, then adjustment automation is achieved, but false detection from protrusions may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of light angle adjustmentVSAvoidreliability of position detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the position detector to monitor the reflected position, and when a target position is detected, controls the changer to adjust the light angle while verifying the detection validity to prevent false adjustments from protrusions or other spurious reflections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Reduces the cumbersomeness of the detection light orientation adjustment task by automating the process, ensuring accurate alignment without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

outputs light, a position detector that detects a reflected position where the light outputted by the output section is reflected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3379394B1Image display apparatus and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP3379394B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3379394B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3379394B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image display apparatus includes a display section that displays an image on a display surface, an output section that outputs light, a changer that changes the angle of the light outputted from the output section with respect to the display surface, a position detector that detects a reflected position where the light outputted by the output section is reflected, and a change controller that controls the changer based on the result of the detection performed by the position detector.