Flying User Interface Drone Surface Projection Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile projector camera systems face issues such as unstable projections due to user motion, noise during operation, and high power consumption, particularly in quadcopter-based systems, as well as limitations in displaying information above the user's height without additional hardware.
Innovation Solution
A drone-based robotic arm projector system that can attach to surfaces, using a digital computer and sensors to stabilize projections, reduce noise, and project information on nearby surfaces with two or three degrees of freedom, allowing for user interaction through gestures from any body part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wearable projector camera system is used for mobile augmented reality applications, then the system can project information on physical surfaces, but the projection becomes unstable when the user is in motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the projection stabilization function from the user's body motion by using an independent drone platform with its own stabilization mechanisms, allowing the projection to remain stable while the user moves freely
Solution Approach 2:
The drone acts as an intermediary carrier between the projector and the surface, providing a stable platform that can independently maintain position and orientation relative to the projection surface while the user moves
2Adaptability or versatility
If a quadcopter based flying display system is used to display information in mid-air, then the system can provide mobile projection capability, but continuous noise is generated during projection
Solution Approach 1:
The noise-generating rotors are separated from the projection function by landing the drone on a surface, extracting the harmful noise factor while retaining the useful projection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between flying mode (for mobility) and landed mode (for noise-free projection), adapting its state based on the operational requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If a drone system is used to provide mobile projection, then the system can display information on various surfaces, but high power consumption is required to stay in the air
Solution Approach 1:
The drone alternates between brief flight phases (for repositioning) and stationary projection phases (for actual use), reducing overall power consumption by minimizing the duration of high-energy flight operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously navigates to and lands on appropriate surfaces for projection, eliminating the need for continuous manual control and optimizing power usage through automated decision-making
4Ease of operation
If a wearable projector camera system is used, then the system can provide augmented reality interface, but additional hardware is required to display information above user height
Solution Approach 1:
The drone-based system provides a universal platform that can project on any surface at any height or orientation without requiring additional specialized hardware, as the drone can freely position itself in three-dimensional space
Data Source
AI summary
This invention describes a special type of drone called “Flying User Interface” device comprised of a robotic projector-camera system, an onboard digital computer connected with Internet, sensors, and a hardware interface to stick to any surface such as wall, ceilings, etc. Computer further consists of other subsystems, devices, and sensors such as accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, flashlight, etc. Drone flies from one places to another, detects a surface, and sticks to it. After successful sticking mechanism, device stops all its rotators and projects or augments images, information, and user interfaces on the near by surfaces. User interface may contain applications, information about object being augmented and information from Internet. User can interact with user-interface using command and gestures such as hand, body, feet, voice, etc.