Laser Image Output Device Distortion Correction via Digital Pre-Warping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Projection devices using laser sources face challenges in correcting distortion due to the positional relation of optical path components and physical driving operation characteristics, making it difficult to accurately correct pincushion distortion, which is dynamic and complex.
Innovation Solution
An image output device with a projectable region calculating unit, a projection window setting unit, and a generating unit that calculates the projectable region on a screen based on laser beam scanning trajectories, sets a projection window within this region, and generates pixel values for each pixel to correct distortion by controlling the laser beam emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a projection device uses a laser source with high-speed scanning mirrors to project an image, then the projection speed and brightness are improved, but distortion occurs due to the positional relation of optical path components and physical driving operation characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates the distorted image data based on the known distortion characteristics of the laser scanning system. By applying correction data in advance to the image before projection, the system compensates for the distortion that will occur during projection, thereby achieving accurate image positioning without requiring post-projection adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the actual projection position and distortion characteristics are measured and used to generate correction data. This correction data is then fed back to adjust the image processing parameters, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes the projection accuracy despite variations in optical path and mirror characteristics
2Measurement precision
If the projection device attempts to correct distortion by adjusting optical path components, then the image accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical path adjustment mechanisms with a digital image processing approach. Instead of physically adjusting mirrors or optical components to correct distortion, the system uses software-based image warping and coordinate transformation to pre-correct the image data, thereby achieving the same effect without mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from adjusting physical optical parameters (mirror angles, optical path lengths) to modifying digital image parameters (pixel coordinates, scanning timing). By transforming the correction problem into the digital domain, the system achieves precise distortion correction without requiring complex optical adjustments
3Device complexity
If the projection device uses fixed optical path components, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to correct dynamic distortion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through software while maintaining fixed optical hardware. The system can dynamically adjust image processing parameters, scanning timing, and correction algorithms based on real-time conditions, allowing the fixed optical path to effectively handle various distortion scenarios through flexible digital control
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
This solution allows for more accurate correction of distortion in projected images, enhancing the projection quality by dynamically adjusting to variations in the optical path components and increasing the degree of freedom in correcting complex distortions.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source that generates a laser beam; a scanning mirror that reflects the laser beam output from the laser source and performs two-dimensional scanning with the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a scanning mirror that reflects the laser beam output from the laser source and performs two-dimensional scanning with the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image output device including a projectable region calculating unit that calculates a projectable region which is a region on a screen in which laser beam is projectable based on a trajectory in which scanning with the laser beam is performed using information specifying the screen onto which an image is projected by two-dimensional scanning with the laser beam, a projection window setting unit that causes the laser beam to be emitted and sets a projection window serving as a range in which the image is projected in the projectable region, and a generating unit that generates a pixel value of each of positions corresponding to pixels included in the image within the projection window on the screen for each pixel in a manner that the image is projected in the range set by the projection window.