Multi-Projector Alignment via Staggered Marker Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection systems face challenges in accurately adjusting the relative projection position among multiple projection apparatuses, leading to misalignment and suboptimal image blending or stacking due to difficulties in detecting and separating markers with overlapping pixel values and colors.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that project test images and marker images with specific color and pixel value combinations from multiple projection apparatuses at different timings, allowing for accurate detection and adjustment of the relative projection position based on captured data, using a processor to set optimal marker pixel values and colors for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If markers with overlapping colors and pixel values are projected simultaneously from multiple projection apparatuses, then image blending can be performed, but accurate detection and separation of individual markers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the marker detection process into separate temporal segments by projecting markers from different projection apparatuses at different timings. This segmentation allows each marker to be detected independently without interference from others, resolving the contradiction between enabling multi-projector blending and maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic projection of test images and marker images at specific intervals and timings. By controlling the projection timing of markers from multiple apparatuses separately, the system enables periodic detection of each marker's projection position, thereby achieving both image blending capability and accurate marker detection.
2Manufacturing precision
If markers are projected at the same time from multiple projection apparatuses, then alignment can be performed, but pixel value saturation occurs in overlapping areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic projection where test images and marker images are projected at controlled intervals and timings. By projecting markers from multiple apparatuses at different times within this periodic framework, the system achieves accurate alignment through sequential detection while preventing pixel value saturation that would occur with simultaneous projection.
3Measurement precision
If test images are projected from multiple projection apparatuses to determine projection regions, then relative projection positions can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of test image projection and marker image projection into a unified control process. By combining these operations under single control that coordinates projection timings, the system achieves accurate relative projection position adjustment while simplifying the overall adjustment process compared to separate independent operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a processor, and the processor is configured to perform a control of: projecting a first image from a plurality of projection apparatuses at different timings; projecting a second image including markers having different colors from at least two or more projection apparatuses of the plurality of projection apparatuses based on captured data of the projected first image; and adjusting a relative projection position among the plurality of projection apparatuses based on captured data of the projected second image.