Drone Projection Mapping With Real-Time Surface Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image projection systems struggle to accurately project images onto dynamic or moving surfaces, often resulting in distortion due to the fixed position of projectors.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing drones equipped with projectors and navigation units, which generate projection surface architectures by identifying reference points on the surface and adapting the image projection based on real-time location and orientation data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fixed-position projectors are used to project images onto surfaces, then the projection system is simple and stable, but the images become distorted when projected onto dynamic or moving surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from fixed-position projectors to mobile drone-based projectors that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation. The drone carries the projector and can move to optimal positions while maintaining stable image projection onto both stationary and moving surfaces through real-time position tracking and image adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a navigation unit and image processing system that act as mediators between the drone's movement and the projection surface. The navigation unit tracks the drone's position and orientation, while the image processing system adjusts the projected image in real-time to compensate for movement, ensuring accurate projection without direct mechanical stabilization of the projector itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If projectors are mounted on mobile platforms like drones, then adaptability to different surfaces is improved, but the system complexity increases due to navigation and stabilization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional integrated system where the drone serves multiple purposes: it provides mobility to reach different projection surfaces, carries the projector for image projection, includes navigation units for position tracking, and incorporates image processing capabilities for real-time adjustment. This consolidates multiple functions into a single platform, managing complexity through integration rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through autonomous navigation and automatic image adjustment. The navigation unit independently tracks the drone's position and orientation, while the image processing system automatically adjusts projection parameters based on real-time data, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time location and orientation data are used to adjust projection, then image accuracy on moving surfaces is improved, but the requirement for continuous data processing increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the drone's location and orientation data from the navigation unit and using this information to adjust the projected image in real-time. The image processing system receives feedback about the drone's position and surface movement, then automatically modifies projection parameters to maintain accurate image alignment, creating a closed-loop control system that improves precision through continuous adjustment.
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.