Integrated Multi-Engine Projector for 360-Degree CAVE Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAVE projection systems require multiple projectors to achieve 360-degree surround imaging, leading to equipment dispersion, management challenges, and image misalignment due to projector weight-induced positional changes, resulting in costly and complex setups for large-scale immersive virtual reality environments.
Innovation Solution
A projection method that optimizes optical machine arrangement by calculating minimum optical path distance and geometric parameters to achieve multi-directional circular-screen projection using a single projector, allowing for flexible image size and position adjustments, and reducing costs by integrating multiple optical machines into a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple projectors are arranged at different positions to achieve 360-degree surround imaging, then the projection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical machines into a single projector device. The projector includes a housing with multiple optical engines arranged in different directions, each optical engine functioning as a separate optical machine would traditionally. This integration achieves 360-degree surround imaging while consolidating what would have been multiple separate devices into one unified unit, reducing installation complexity and management overhead.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple projectors are hung at supporting frames, then the projection coverage is improved, but the image alignment stability deteriorates due to weight-induced positional changes
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple optical machines into a single projector housing, the patent eliminates the need to hang multiple separate projectors at different positions. The integrated design maintains fixed relative positions between optical engines during manufacturing, ensuring stable image alignment without the positional drift that occurs when multiple heavy projectors are suspended from supporting frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary alignment and calibration of multiple optical engines during the projector manufacturing process. The optical engines are pre-positioned and pre-calibrated within the housing before deployment, ensuring that image alignment is established in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex on-site alignment adjustments that would be required if multiple separate projectors were installed and hung at the venue.
3Area of stationary object
If fisheye lens is used to achieve large wide-angle projection, then the projection coverage is improved, but the image deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projection function into multiple optical engines, each responsible for a specific directional view. Instead of using a single fisheye lens that distorts the entire image, the system divides the 360-degree projection task among several optical engines positioned at different orientations. Each engine projects to a specific angular sector, avoiding the severe distortion that would result from using a fisheye lens for the entire circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing each optical engine's projection for its specific directional purpose. Each optical engine is positioned and configured to project to a particular angular sector with appropriate focus and clarity. This localized optimization ensures that each projection zone maintains high image quality without the uniform distortion that characterizes fisheye lens projections.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple projectors are used for surround imaging, then the projection coverage is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple projectors into a single integrated device. The projector housing contains multiple optical engines that would traditionally require separate projector units, along with a control system that manages all engines through a single device interface. This consolidation achieves the same 360-degree surround imaging coverage while reducing the total number of equipment units from multiple projectors to one integrated projector.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a projection method, a projector and a projection system of fully covering a multi-directional circular-screen. The projection method obtains a circular-screen projection surface by dividing a visual platform to be projected; arranging each optical machine according to minimum optical path distance information. Each optical machine to be arranged projects an image onto each circular-screen projection surface to obtain a first projection coverage range; and adjusts the first projection coverage range according to setting parameters corresponding to each optical machine to be arranged according to a preset projection surface to obtain a second projection coverage range. The system calculates geometric parameters and the second projection coverage range of each optical machine to be arranged to obtain a spatial position and a rotation angle range of each optical machine to be arranged.