Multi-Projector Alignment via Reference Image Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-projection systems, adjusting the projection areas of multiple partial images to form a cohesive overall image requires significant user effort, as each projection area needs to be precisely aligned and adjusted manually.

Innovation Solution

A projector system where one projector adjusts its projection area based on the projection area of a reference image, and then transmits instructions to other projectors to adjust their areas accordingly, reducing the need for manual alignment by using communication and image processing to align and adjust the projection areas automatically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of projection areas is performed for each projector, then precise alignment of partial images is achieved, but user effort and adjustment time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic adjustment of projection areas by having projectors self-adjust based on instructions from a reference projector. The reference projector determines its optimal projection area first, then automatically generates and transmits adjustment instructions to other projectors, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of each projector while achieving precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The reference projector performs preliminary adjustment of its projection area before other projectors adjust theirs. By establishing the reference projection area first and then using it as a basis for generating adjustment instructions, the system ensures that all subsequent adjustments are coordinated and precise, reducing overall adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of projection areas is performed for each projector, then precise alignment of partial images is achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidadjustment operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Projectors automatically receive and execute adjustment instructions from the reference projector without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-adjustment based on the reference projection area, transforming a complex manual operation into an automated process that is simple to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) the reference projector determines its optimal projection area, and (2) other projectors automatically adjust based on instructions from the reference projector. This segmentation simplifies the overall operation by separating the decision-making process from the execution process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If projection areas are adjusted based on reference image, then adjustment effort is reduced, but communication requirements between projectors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment operation easeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reference projector acts as an intermediary that mediates the adjustment process between the system controller and other projectors. It receives the reference image, determines the optimal projection area, generates adjustment instructions, and transmits them to other projectors, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling automatic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of time

If automatic adjustment based on reference image is implemented, then adjustment time is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment timeVSAvoidprojection area measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the reference image to automatically determine the optimal projection area. The reference projector captures the reference image, analyzes it to determine the appropriate projection area, and uses this information to generate adjustment instructions for other projectors, enabling rapid and precise automatic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3506009B1Projector, multi-projection system, and method for controlling projector
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP3506009B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3506009B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3506009B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A projector that is allowed to belong to a multi-projection system that projects an image on a projection surface, the image formed of a plurality of partial images including a first partial image, a second partial image, and a third partial image, includes a projection section that projects the third partial image on the projection surface and an adjustment instruction section that transmits, to a first projector that projects the first partial image, a first adjustment instruction of adjusting the projection area of the first partial image based on the projection area of the third partial image and transmits, to a second projector that projects the second partial image after transmitting the first adjustment instruction, a second adjustment instruction of adjusting the projection area of the second partial image based on the projection area of the first partial image.