Flying Object Projection System with Multi-Projector Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projection systems for flying objects, such as balloons, struggle to maintain consistent image projection on moving targets and fail to provide interactive and entertaining rendition effects for observers around the flying object.

Innovation Solution

A projection system comprising a flying object with an image capturing device, a network of projectors, and a controller that processes and projects capture-dependent images in real-time, allowing for division and distribution of images across the flying object's surface, enabling interactive and entertaining visuals for observers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If an image is projected on a moving flying object using a single projector, then the projection system is simple, but the image quality and coverage on the curved surface are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection system structureVSAvoidimage projection quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the projection system into multiple projectors (first projector and second projector) that work together to project images on different portions of the flying object. This segmentation allows each projector to cover a specific area, improving overall image quality and coverage on the curved surface while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-point projection to multi-point projection by positioning projectors at different locations (inside and outside the flying object). This spatial dimensionality change enables comprehensive coverage of the curved surface, addressing the limitation of single-projector systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If a projector projects an image from inside the flying object, then the setup is simple, but the projection coverage and image quality on the exterior surface are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojector installationVSAvoidprojection coverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the projection function between internal and external projectors. The first projector inside the flying object covers certain areas while the second projector outside covers other areas, together achieving complete exterior surface coverage that neither projector could achieve alone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the flying object's own structure as an intermediary medium. The internal projector utilizes the interior space for projection, while the external projector complements this by projecting from the exterior, with both working through the flying object's surface to achieve comprehensive coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the projection system uses multiple projectors to improve image quality, then the rendering effect is enhanced, but the system complexity and coordination requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage projection qualityVSAvoidprojection system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the projection functions of multiple projectors into a coordinated system where the first and second projectors work together. The controller synchronizes their operations, combining their individual contributions to achieve high-quality comprehensive coverage without requiring overly complex independent control systems for each projector

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If real-time image processing is implemented for interactive effects, then the entertainment value is improved, but the processing time and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive rendering effectVSAvoidimage processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-processing images and preparing projection content before the flying object reaches certain positions or before interaction occurs. The controller prepares projection data in advance based on predicted observer positions, reducing real-time processing requirements and enabling faster responsive interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3506625B1Projection system, projection method, flying object system, and flying object
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3506625B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3506625B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3506625B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Projection system (100) of the present disclosure includes flying object (1), projection device (10), and controller (30). Flying object (1) has an exterior body, flying device (3) that causes the exterior body to fly, and image capturing device (4) that captures an image. Projection device (10) projects a capture-dependent image on the exterior body, the capture-dependent image depending on the image. Controller (30) causes projection device (10) to project the capture-dependent image.