Multi-Projector Calibration via Camera Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Projection systems face challenges in irradiating large and complex areas with minimal distortions, particularly in non-planar surfaces like dome-shaped areas, where single projector use is impractical and multi-projector setups often result in overlapping issues.
Innovation Solution
A calibration method and system that project known calibration patterns onto a projection area, record these patterns with a camera, and use a computer unit to determine deviations from an ideal image, applying a correction transform to ensure minimal distortion in overlap regions by adjusting the projection of images from multiple projectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple projectors are used to irradiate large and complex projection areas, then the coverage area is improved, but distortion and overlapping occur in the transition regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by projecting known calibration patterns onto the projection area before actual image projection. The camera records these patterns and the computing device calculates correction transforms that compensate for distortions and misalignments. This preliminary calibration establishes a reference framework that enables multiple projectors to be precisely aligned afterward, resolving the contradiction between covering large areas and maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a camera to record the actual projection of calibration patterns and feeds this information back to the computing device. The computing device compares the recorded calibration image with the ideal calibration pattern, determines deviations, and calculates correction transforms. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of projection parameters to eliminate distortions and overlapping in transition regions while maintaining large area coverage.
2Device complexity
If manual calibration methods are used to adjust projector alignment, then device complexity is reduced, but calibration time and precision are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system performs self-calibration automatically without requiring manual intervention. The camera apparatus autonomously records calibration patterns, the computing device automatically processes the images to determine deviations, and the system generates correction transforms autonomously. This self-service capability dramatically reduces calibration time compared to manual methods while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through the use of standard components like cameras and projectors.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a calibration method and system for at least one projection apparatus, where the geometric data from at least one projection area has been or are stored in advance in a computer unit, wherein a) the at least one projection apparatus projects previously known calibration patterns onto at least one portion of the projection area, with the calibration patterns having at least one overlap region among one another, b) the calibration patterns are recorded by at least one camera apparatus as a calibration image, where c) the computer unit is used to automatically ascertain the difference between the recorded real calibration image and an ideal depiction result from the previously known calibration pattern on the projection area as a reference pattern, and where subsequently the difference between the real calibration image and the reference pattern is used to ascertain a correction transform.