Drone Projection Mapping Using Reference-Point Surface Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image projection systems struggle to maintain accurate and distortion-free projections onto dynamic or moving surfaces, as they lack the ability to adapt in real-time to changes in the drone's location and orientation relative to the projection surface.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a drone equipped with a projector, navigation unit, and processor that generates a projection surface architecture by identifying reference points on the surface, determining relationship data, and adjusting images in real-time to ensure accurate projection, even when the drone or surface is moving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed source position projector is used, then the projection system is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to moving surfaces or changing drone positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed projector system to a mobile drone-based projector system that can move and adjust its position in three-dimensional space. The drone carries the projector and can dynamically reposition itself to maintain optimal projection angles and distances relative to moving or complex surfaces, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring multiple fixed projectors throughout the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service through autonomous navigation and real-time image adjustment capabilities. The drone autonomously navigates to predetermined locations and orientations, and the processor automatically adjusts projection parameters based on real-time positioning data and surface geometry, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time image adjustment is implemented, then projection accuracy on moving surfaces is maintained, but processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through real-time monitoring of drone position, orientation, and velocity data, which are continuously fed back to the processor. This feedback loop enables the processor to dynamically adjust projection parameters based on current flight conditions and surface geometry, maintaining projection accuracy without requiring overly complex predictive models or extensive computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing projection parameters for various drone positions and orientations before actual projection occurs. The processor prepares adjustment algorithms in advance based on expected flight paths and surface characteristics, allowing for rapid real-time adjustments without requiring complex on-the-fly computations during active projection.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple projectors are used to cover large surfaces, then coverage area increases, but coordination complexity and synchronization challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the projection task into discrete segments corresponding to different drone flight positions and orientations. Instead of using multiple projectors simultaneously, the system sequences single-projector projections across multiple positions, with each position covering a specific segment of the overall surface area. This approach achieves comprehensive coverage while avoiding the coordination complexity of multiple simultaneous projectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional plane of projection to a three-dimensional solution space by utilizing vertical dimension and spatial repositioning. The drone can move above, beside, or at various distances from the projection surface, accessing angles and positions that traditional ground-based projectors cannot reach, thereby expanding coverage area without adding multiple projectors.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a drone having a projector to project an image from a projection origin. The drone also has a navigation unit to determine location information for the drone. A processor coupled to the drone includes a memory. Execution of programming by the processor configures the system to obtain a projection surface architecture for a projection surface. The projection surface architecture includes reference points that correspond to physical locations on the projection surface. Each reference point is associated with relationship data with respect to an architecture origin. The system also receives location information for the drone, adapts the relationship data responsive to change in the location information, adjusts the image using the adapted relationship data, and projects the adjusted image onto the projection surface.