Interactive Rear Projection With Infrared Light-Spot Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear projection systems lack intuitive and cost-effective interaction methods for user input, with large screens increasing the cost of touch modules and one-way information display.
Innovation Solution
An interactive rear projection system with a sensor and first light source on one side of the projection screen, recognizing object positions via diffusely reflected light spots, and a controller to refresh the projection beam based on user interaction, utilizing infrared light for enhanced interaction without additional touch modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touch module is added to the projection screen to enable user interaction, then the interaction capability is improved, but the cost greatly increases when the projection screen size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch module with an optical sensing system consisting of a light source and sensor. The light source projects light onto the projection screen, and the sensor detects light spots created by objects blocking the light, enabling touchless interaction. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive touch modules while maintaining interaction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the user and the projection screen. Instead of direct physical contact with a touch module, users interact by blocking light paths, and the system detects these interactions through sensor readings. This intermediary approach enables low-cost interaction without requiring expensive touch components.
2Ease of operation
If voice inquiry is used for user input, then the interaction method is provided, but it is hard to choose from multiple results intuitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system projects light patterns and detects user interactions through sensor readings. When users block light paths with their hands or objects, the system detects the light spot positions and provides visual feedback by displaying corresponding information or options on the projection screen, enabling intuitive selection from multiple results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses changes in light detection patterns to indicate different interaction states. By detecting the position and characteristics of light spots blocked by user objects, the system can differentiate between various user intentions and present corresponding options, providing visual cues for intuitive selection.
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
Provides intuitive user interaction with a good effect at a low cost by recognizing object positions on a two- and three-dimensional scale, allowing for interactive display updates without the need for additional touch modules.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor senses a light spot generated by the first beam diffusely reflected by the object
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive rear projection system including a projection screen, a projection optical engine, an input device and a controller is provided. The projection optical engine emits a projection beam which is projected on the projection screen. The input device includes a sensor and a first light source both disposed on a first side of the projection screen. The controller is electrically connected to the projection optical engine, the sensor, and the first light source and controls the first light source to project a first beam toward the projection screen. When an object approaches a second side of the projection screen, the sensor senses a light spot generated by the first beam diffusely reflected by the object and recognizes a position of the object or a position where the object touches the projection screen according to the light spot.