Motorized Blending Tool for Multi-Projector Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-channel projection systems face challenges in efficiently calibrating and optimizing soft edge blending between sub-images, particularly due to labor-intensive manual adjustments and the 'double black' issue in electrical blending, as well as the inflexibility of optical blending systems.

Innovation Solution

A blending device with adjustable optical blending means and a removable controlling system that allows automated, motorized calibration of blending components, enabling precise alignment and adjustment of blending components across multiple projectors, which can be controlled remotely and reused across different systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual adjustment of optical blending means is used, then calibration can be performed, but calibration time is excessive and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration speedVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of optical blending means with an automated motorized system. A motorized blending component adjusts the optical blending means (such as blending screens or masks) automatically, eliminating the need for manual positioning and significantly reducing calibration time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-calibration through automated control mechanisms. The motorized blending component can be controlled via remote interface or automated algorithms to independently adjust and optimize the blending parameters without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to calibrate itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If electrical blending is used, then real-time control is achieved, but double black errors occur in overlap regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time control capabilityVSAvoiddouble black error

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical intermediary (optical blending means such as blending screens or masks with gradient transmission properties) between the projectors and the screen. This optical intermediary physically modulates the light from overlapping projectors to achieve smooth blending transitions, eliminating the double black error that occurs with direct electrical blending while preserving real-time control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If optical blending means are fixed, then system structure is simple, but adaptability to configuration changes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms fixed optical blending means into dynamic, adjustable components. The motorized blending component enables the optical blending means to be repositioned and reconfigured automatically, allowing the system to adapt to different projector arrangements, screen sizes, and blending requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized blending component serves multiple functions: it can adjust blending parameters for different overlap regions, adapt to various projector configurations, and optimize performance for different types of optical blending means. This multi-functionality increases system versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If multiple people are required for blending adjustment, then calibration quality can be maintained, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblending calibration qualityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors the blending quality and automatically adjusts the optical blending means based on detected performance metrics. This feedback loop maintains high calibration quality by continuously optimizing the blending parameters, while the automated control eliminates the need for multiple operators to manually evaluate and adjust the blending from different perspectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7278746B2Motorized blend alignment tool

Publication Date: 2007.10.09 BARCO NV

AI summary

A blending tool is described for blending sub-images of a multi-channel projection system comprising a plurality of projectors. The blending device typically has a number of adjustable optical blending means which each are adapted to be mounted on a projector of said multi-channel projection system. Using a removable controlling means allows automated controlling of at least one of the adjustable optical blending means, or a blending component thereof. The removable controlling means therefore has engaging means for temporary engaging the removable controlling means to the adjustable blending means. In a preferred version, the blending tool allows remote control of the adjustable blending means such that blending can be performed from the viewing side of the projection system, even for rear-projection systems. Furthermore a method for blending and projection systems adapted for being blended using the blending tool are provided.