Geometric Warping Correction in Projection Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

In projection mapping, accurate alignment between the projected image model and the real-world object is challenging, leading to inaccuracies that require manual correction each time the alignment changes, which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that uses a lower resolution mesh model to align with a higher resolution mesh model, allowing automatic correction of misalignments by moving low-resolution points to align corresponding high-resolution points, thereby updating the mesh model for precise projection mapping without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual warping correction is performed for each projector, then alignment accuracy between the mesh model and real-world object is improved, but the time and effort required for correction increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidcorrection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified lower-resolution copy mesh model that replicates the geometric features of the high-resolution mesh model. This copy is used for automated alignment calculations, allowing the system to perform warping corrections based on the simplified model and then apply those corrections to the full high-resolution model, thereby reducing manual intervention time while maintaining alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated alignment algorithms that can independently detect and correct misalignments between the mesh model and real-world object without requiring manual warping adjustments. The lower-resolution copy mesh model serves as a self-service tool that automatically identifies alignment errors and generates correction parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If a high-resolution mesh model is used for projection mapping, then image projection quality is improved, but the complexity of aligning the mesh model with the real-world object increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection qualityVSAvoidalignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the alignment process into two segments: first, align the simplified lower-resolution copy mesh model (reducing complexity), then transfer the alignment parameters to the high-resolution mesh model (maintaining projection quality). This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, making the overall process more manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lower-resolution copy mesh model acts as an intermediary between the alignment process and the high-resolution mesh model. It simplifies the complex alignment task by providing a computationally lighter representation that can be quickly processed, while still capturing the essential geometric features needed for accurate alignment transfer to the high-resolution model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the mesh model does not accurately represent the real-world object, then projection mapping errors occur, but manually updating the mesh model frequently is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection accuracyVSAvoidmodel update efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a lower-resolution copy mesh model that can be quickly updated and tested against the real-world object. This copy serves as a proxy for validating alignment accuracy before committing changes to the full high-resolution model, enabling rapid iteration and updating without the overhead of processing the complete high-resolution model each time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the alignment between the lower-resolution copy mesh model and the real-world object is continuously monitored. When misalignments are detected, the system automatically generates correction parameters and updates the mesh model, creating a closed-loop system that maintains projection accuracy without requiring frequent manual interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3273413B1System and method for geometric warping correction in projection mapping
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 CHRISTIE DIGITAL SYSTEMS USA INC
  • EP3273413B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3273413B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3273413B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method for geometric warping correction in projection mapping is provided. A lower resolution mesh is applied to A mesh model, at least in a region of the mesh model misaligned with a corresponding region of a real-world object. One or more points of the lower resolution mesh are moved. In response, one or more corresponding points of the mesh model are moved to increase alignment between the region of the mesh model and the corresponding region of the real-world object. An updated mesh model is stored in a memory. And one or more projectors are controlled to projection map images corresponding to the updated mesh model onto the real-world object.