Dynamic Image Plane Adjustment for Non-Planar Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image projection systems struggle with projecting sharp images on non-planar surfaces and moving targets due to limitations in focusing mechanisms, leading to blurred images and reduced sharpness, especially when dealing with chromatic, spherical, or astigmatic aberrations.
Innovation Solution
An image projection apparatus with a light projector, focusing means, and a controller that dynamically varies the image plane's position relative to the surface, combined with a filter for pre-compensating blurring effects, allowing for improved image quality on non-planar and moving surfaces without requiring specific surface geometry knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a static focus lens is used to project an image on a planar screen, then the image is sharp and in focus at a given plane, but the system cannot project sharp images on non-planar surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image plane movable relative to the projection surface. The focus lens is positioned on a movable platform that can adjust its distance from the projection surface, allowing the image plane to dynamically coincide with non-planar surfaces. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to maintain image sharpness (manufacturing precision) while adapting to various surface geometries (adaptability).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a movable platform with positioning mechanisms - between the focus lens and the projection surface. This intermediary allows independent adjustment of the image plane position, enabling the system to accommodate non-planar surfaces while maintaining focus quality. The intermediary decouples the fixed lens from the variable surface geometry.
2Manufacturing precision
If an adaptive optical system is used to automatically adjust the lens system to surface geometry, then image sharpness on non-planar surfaces is improved, but the system becomes extremely expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive adaptive optical systems with a simpler, mechanically-based solution using a movable platform and positioning mechanisms. Instead of using complex adaptive lenses or deformable mirrors that are extremely expensive, the invention uses a more economical approach with motorized positioning stages and distance sensors, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining image sharpness on non-planar surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex optical adaptation mechanisms with a mechanical positioning system. Rather than using adaptive optics to dynamically change lens properties, the invention mechanically moves the entire focus lens assembly to adjust the image plane position, replacing complex optical adaptation with simpler mechanical adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If the image plane is fixed relative to the projector, then the system is simple to operate, but motion blur occurs when projecting on moving surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using distance sensors to detect the position of moving surfaces and automatically adjusting the image plane position accordingly. The system continuously monitors the surface position and adjusts the focus lens positioning in real-time, maintaining image sharpness on moving surfaces while keeping the operation simple through automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the surface position using distance sensors before projection, allowing it to pre-adjust the image plane position to match the surface geometry. This preliminary action ensures that when projection begins, the image plane is already correctly positioned, preventing motion blur while maintaining ease of operation through automatic 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
The solution provides improved image sharpness and reduced complexity, enabling sharper images across varying distances and surface geometries, with the blurring effect being predictable and independently compensable, resulting in enhanced perceived image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a light projector for projecting an image onto a surface of an object
Implementation Method 2
focussing means for focussing the image on an image plane
Data Source
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AI summary
An image projection apparatus comprises a light projector (605) which projects an image onto a surface (603) of an object. A focussing processor (609) is arranged to focus the image on an image plane (607) and a controller (611) dynamically varies the position of the image plane (607) relative to the surface (603). The movement may be a predetermined periodic movement and the surface may specifically be a non-planar surface. The movement may result in a blurring effect independent of distance, and may specifically provide a blurring effect that can be pre-compensated by pre-filtering of the image to be projected. The invention may allow improved quality of a projected image, such as e.g. of an image projected on a non-planar or moving surface.